Northern Arizona University is joining other Arizona universities by canceling its spring graduation ceremonies.

NAU President Rita Cheng announced the cancellation in an email to students Tuesday.

"We understand how disappointing this news is for our graduates," Cheng wrote. "However, this decision is necessary to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of our community during this unprecedented global health crisis."

The university's event staff are working on plans for a virtual commencement ceremony that would take place in May.

About 6,000 students are set to graduate this spring, Cheng said.

Those graduates will also be invited to walk in a ceremony on Dec. 12. Graduates and their families will receive details on the virtual event soon.

"I am extremely proud of the way our Lumberjacks have come together during these challenging times to find ways to help each other and ensure a better and brighter future," Cheng wrote.

University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University have both canceled their in-person spring commencement ceremonies and are exploring other options to provide ceremonies at a later date or virtually for their graduates.

Arizona State University has yet to announce changes for its spring ceremonies.

Reach reporter Rachel Leingang by email at rachel.leingang@gannett.com or by phone at 602-444-8157, or find her on Twitter and Facebook.

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