Public health officials have warned that such large gatherings facilitate the spread of the virus because of the proximity of attendees.

The university, which is in Ann Arbor, about 45 miles west of Detroit, said its announcement applied to “large campuswide ceremonies and individual school, college and group recognition ceremonies.”

“We know that this is very disappointing to many, and we are looking at ways to celebrate 2020 graduates in the future,” it added.

Lilly Hanson, 22, a senior at the university studying business, said she was not surprised to learn of the cancellation but that the news was still a disappointment.

“I knew this would blow up and be a full-scale thing,” she said on Friday night, referring to the coronavirus outbreak.