The University of Toronto has cancelled all spring convocation ceremonies, previously scheduled for June 2-June 19, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

U of T announced the cancellation in a series of tweets citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the directives from the federal and provincial governments regarding social distancing.

June 2020’s graduates will not be able to attend a future ceremony, according to U of T’s website, but are advised to check back for any alternative plans made.

“This was a difficult decision,” read a statement on the university’s website. “It is clear that it would have been impossible to hold such large gatherings in person.”

U of T convocations are several large gatherings; the university said June 2017’s itinerary, for example, involved 27 ceremonies over 17 days for 14,000 graduates, plus their guests.

Graduates will receive their degrees and will be mailed their parchments, the legal document embossed with the university seal and the graduate’s name and degree after the degrees have been conferred.

“We appreciate that the cancellation of convocation will come as a huge disappointment to our graduating students, their families, friends, teachers and mentors,” reads the statement on U of T’s website.

The university’s Twitter account added, “We are currently exploring possible alternative means of celebrating your graduation.”

On Tuesday, York University also announced that its spring convocations will also not proceed as planned, but president Rhonda Lenton said, “our team is working on developing a virtual option.

“We are also planning on expanding our Fall 2020 ceremony should you wish to attend in person at that time.”

Once students have fulfilled the academic requirements they don’t need to walk across a stage to graduate, said Lenton, expressing sympathy for this spring’s grads all the same.

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“I know that this postponement will be disappointing for you, your family and your friends,” she said. “The entire community of faculty and staff looks forward to celebrating with you at Convocation, and it is one of my very favourite campus traditions.”

Ryerson University did not respond to request for comment in time for publication. As of March 25, convocation plans are still planned to continue.

Hamilton’s McMaster University tweeted on Tuesday that spring convocations will be online and an in-person ceremony will be rescheduled for a later date.