Cuesta College postpones commencement ceremony

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Cuesta College's spring commencement will take place in December 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The graduation ceremony was originally scheduled for May 22, 2020 at the Dr. Gilbert H. Stork Gymnasium on the San Luis Obispo campus.

The college announced the ceremony will now be held on December 18, 2020.

Students, staff and faculty had the opportunity to give their input on this year's graduation. Multiple scenarios were considered, including a virtual celebration.

A survey was sent to 1,125 students, which made it clear that they preferred to walk across the stage at an in-person event.

“Commencement is a joyous culmination of the hard work and dedication of our graduating students, and we are committed to properly recognizing their accomplishments,” said Dr. Jill Stearns, Cuesta College Superintendent / President.

Graduates from the Summer 2019 through Fall 2020 semesters are eligible to participate in the December ceremony.

Additionally, the graduating Class of 2020 will be celebrated on May 22 with videos and social media posts.

Cuesta College recognizes that these plans could change and says it will continue to make decisions based on guidelines and recommendations from public health experts and local and state agencies.