Ball State Eyes July Or October For Rescheduled Graduation Ceremonies

Ball State University says it will likely reschedule graduation ceremonies cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions for either the summer or the fall, depending on what state recommendations are still in place.

When Ball State cancelled its early May spring commencement, it sent out a survey on what to do next.  The school says the more than 4,000 responses overwhelmingly showed people wanted an in-person ceremony, not a virtual effort.

Ball State wants to combine the missed spring graduates with summer graduates for a ceremony on July 18.  But in a statement, President Geoffrey Mearns says the state may still not allow large celebrations in July.  He says a back-up date of October 10 is also a possibility.

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The university says it will still award degrees when they are earned, no matter when the next commencement ceremony is scheduled.  Diplomas will be mailed to graduates.

The school previously announced all summer classes will be held online.  Mearns has said larger fall classes may also see a hybrid virtual and in-person format.