Fresno State, City College announce graduation plans for this year - and last year

Both Fresno State and Fresno City College announced Friday that they would hold their class of 2021 commencement ceremonies virtually once again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fresno State’s class of 2020, which did not get a ceremony last year, will also be able to celebrate in May, university officials said.

Dates and other details for both ceremonies have not yet been released.

“While we won’t be able to have any in-person contact,” said Fresno State Interim President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, “we have learned there are many ways to celebrate in a virtual world. I’m sure we’ll see some real creativity.”

Fresno City College expects a record number of students will graduate this year, more than the 2,106 who did last year. The college held a virtual ceremony last year for its 2020 class.

“As Fresno City College continues to uphold its commitment to keep students and staff safe and healthy, the college must sometimes make difficult decisions that may not be popular,” said President Carole Goldsmith in a statement. “This decision was made in consultation with our own health officers, faculty, staff and those at the Fresno County Office of Public Health to ensure that the best possible resolution was reached.”

Reedley College graduates will get to walk in-person over a four-day period this year, beginning on May 19. Fall, spring, and summer 2021 graduates are invited to participate. Reedley College has a smaller campus population than Fresno City College.

“Our commitment is to develop and apply high standards of safety and health protocols in an appropriate space on campus to mark your outstanding achievement,” Reedley College officials said. “Attendance will be limited, face coverings will be mandatory, and physical distancing will be exercised.”

Clovis Community College hasn’t finalized its plans yet, according to spokesperson Stephanie Babb.

“Clovis Community College officials are working through different scenarios to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” she said in a statement “We hope to have a final decision in the next few weeks. Then, we will reach out and encourage all 2020 and 2021 graduates to participate.”

Fresno Pacific University will also hold a virtual commencement ceremony, which will go live on May 8 at 10 a.m.

“Even as hospitalization rates fluctuate, a vaccine begins to be more widely distributed, and California works to stabilize infection rates, it is unlikely large scale in-person events like our commencement will be allowed for the foreseeable future,” school officials said.

This story was originally published March 5, 2021 at 10:54 AM.