In a press release Tuesday afternoon, officials at Mississippi State University not only announced all spring courses were being moved online, but that the university’s commencement ceremonies had been postponed.

“In compliance with guidance from Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi State University announced today that the university will deliver online or other remote instructional course content for the remainder of the 2020 spring semester,” the school said in a release. “That decision is based on national and state public health protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi State Department of Health.”

As for commencement, the statement said the event was “indefinitely postponed” in accordance with guidelines from both the CDC and MSDH to not hold large public gatherings.

“Commencement is one of MSU’s most meaningful and cherished traditions, one that our students and their families have earned,” the release stated. “As an institution, MSU remains committed to celebrating our graduates at a safe and appropriate time.

“Plans to appropriately honor MSU graduates will be discussed and revealed when the national emergency is concluded.”

Follow www.msstate.edu or MSU social media for updates.