Colleges cancel, postpone commencement; RIC student tests positive for COVID-19

Updated at 5:34 p.m.

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE announced late Monday that it is canceling its May 16 commencement. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE
RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE announced late Monday that it is canceling its May 16 commencement. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island have canceled commencement, joining efforts to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

RIC also announced a student who resides on campus has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and is in self-isolation on campus, per state protocol.

RIC President Frank D. Sanchez said in an online letter late Monday that canceling commencement, which was slated to be held at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on May 16, is “one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as president.

“Without question, this decision was not taken lightly, nor was it taken in the absence of consideration of other viable alternatives,” Sanchez said. “We also know that for these graduates, their final semester at Rhode Island College will leave an indelible mark on their memories as they look back over their college journey.”

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Sanchez also said the graduating seniors will be honored “appropriately at another time.”

The Community College of Rhode Island also canceled its respective commencement planned for May. Providence College and Salve Regina University have postponed their ceremonies.

RIC will continue its online course delivery for the remaining six weeks of the semester, as well.

Regarding the student who has tested positive for COVID-19, RIC said state health officials have reached out to the individuals who “may have been in close contact with the student” and put in place “appropriate proactive measures.”

RIC spokesperson John Taraborelli said Tuesday the college ordered residence halls to close by Thursday “out of an abundance of caution” before the positive case was identified. But, about “65 or less” students remain on campus due to them having “extenuating circumstances” that prevent them from going home.

“Those students who do remain are isolated in individual suites to facilitate proper social distancing,” Taraborelli said. “Students will be allowed no guests, no travel and will be asked to abide by the student handbook.”

University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island announced Tuesday that it is canceling its in-person commencement, scheduled for May 16-17, which is held on the South Kingstown campus.

URI is asking its soon-to-be graduates for ideas on an “alternative commencement celebration,” and to fill out a survey offering those ideas by no later than March 26. One of the options suggested on the survey is to hold commencement ceremonies in early fall.

Brown University

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson also announced Tuesday in an online letter that the university’s commencement ceremony, and surrounding activities, will be postponed. They were slated to take place in May.

Paxson said while it “remains too early to make a final decision,” the university hopes commencement can be held “as early as” October.

Paxson also said graduates will receive their degrees at “the usual time” and a virtual degree conferral ceremony will take place Memorial Day weekend.

(Updates throughout to ADD URI.)

James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter at @James_Bessette.

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