Fresno City cancels graduation due to coronavirus. A virtual ceremony is in the works

State Center Community College District on Monday canceled its May graduation ceremony due to coronavirus.

But Chancellor Paul Parnell told students to “hold on to your graduation gowns.”

The move affects all the district’s colleges - Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College Center and Oakhurst Community College Center.

Parnell said in an email to students that colleges will instead hold virtual and remote celebrations.

He could not elaborate on what those celebrations would look like yet but said the district “in conjunction with division faculty will be working with their Associated Student Government leaders to develop virtual and remote celebrations that will honor your achievement. Since we are not sure how this will look, please hold on to your graduation gowns for the time being.”

Last year’s graduating class at Fresno City topped out at 1,911, and 700 of those walked at the ceremony, according to college spokesperson Kathy Bonilla. About 225 participated at Clovis Community.

Classes will remain online through the spring semester, and into the summer semester, Parnell said.

All other campus gatherings through June have also been suspended.

This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 2:11 PM.