Keuka College reschedules spring events

KEUKA PARK--Responding to state and federal guidelines in the wake of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, Keuka College has rescheduled all spring events, including Commencement.
"The health and safety or our students, faculty, staff, and community is paramount," said Keuka College President Amy Storey. "Every decision we make during this time of uncertainty must protect the health of our most vulnerable community members."
The announcement follows a series of steps taken by College leadership this month to reduce the potential for spread of the virus within and around the College community:
-Spring Break was extended by one week, until March 27, with the College transitioning to online-only instruction on March 30.
-While the College remains open, non-essential personnel, including faculty, are working remotely.
-Summer Field Period® experiences, student practicums, and other off-campus experiential-learning placements are on hold.
-The remainder of the athletics season has been canceled.
These decisions, along with the postponement of spring events, were made in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises against gatherings of 50 people or more for at least eight weeks. In addition, New York State has temporarily banned all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.
The following events have been postponed or rescheduled:
-The 32nd annual Carl and Fanny Fribolin President's Forum Lecture, which was scheduled for April 30, along with related Fribolin Fest events earlier in the day.
-The Inauguration of President Amy Storey, scheduled for May 1.
-May Day Weekend, scheduled for May 1-3, including Honors Convocation, Leadership, Moving Up Ceremonies, and honor society inductions.
-Commencement, scheduled for May 16, and related graduation-weekend ceremonies such as the Baccalaureate Service.
-The annual Celebrate Service ... Celebrate Yates (CSCY) Day of Service scheduled for April 26. In collaboration with CSCY partner the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, this event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, to coincide with national Make a Difference Day.
-All College ceremonial events, such as the pinning ceremony for nurses.
President Storey said the College plans to do its best to reschedule, rather than cancel, the events, even if that means moving them into the 2020-21 academic year.