On April 2, Southeast President Carlos Vargas announced the Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies will be postponed to a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the video, Vargas praised faculty and students at the University for their flexibility during this time of transition.

“We have tried to be thoughtful in our decision making to minimize as much disruption as possible,” Vargas said. “We want our students to continue to learn and to earn the credits and degrees that they have worked so hard to pursue.”

Vargas expressed his dismay at the difficult decision to postpone the ceremony due to current state social distancing guidelines and the concern for health and safety among the community.

“There is nothing more gratifying to me as president than to see the results of your hard work honored at commencement with your family and friends nearby to celebrate,” Vargas said. “I want you to know among all of the messages I have had to deliver related to this extraordinary time, this has been the most difficult.”

Vargas reassured students the university is still planning to celebrate the milestone with students by providing the graduating class a printed commencement program.

Vargas closed the video message by expressing how proud he is of the graduating students' achievements.

“Rest assured, you will graduate, the university will continue to help you with job searches, your preparation for graduate school, and however else we can best support you,” said Vargas.

A date has not been set for the postponed commencement ceremony. The Arrow will follow this story as it develops.