Due to social distancing and other restrictions in place, while the world fights the coronavirus pandemic, West Liberty University is replacing its traditional spring commencement with a safe, virtual option.

          The virtual ceremony will take place on May 9 (time to be determined) and all Spring Semester students will be sent a link to view the ceremony on Topper Station, WLU’s streaming platform.

          “We congratulate our seniors and regret that the Class of 2020 cannot have its traditional commencement ceremony, however, this virtual ceremony promises to be the next best choice to celebrate the amazing Class of 2020,” said President Stephen Greiner. “The Class of 2020 has so much to be proud of and are part of a truly historic moment in time.”

          All spring graduates will be invited back to campus at a later date for a live ceremony, according to Greiner.

          Commencement regalia (caps, gowns, cords) will be mailed to all students at their permanent address so that seniors can share a photo with Topper Station as it prepares the virtual ceremony. (Please email graduate photos and questions to [email protected].)

          Students are asked to log into their WINS account and review their permanent address (under Personal Information). If the permanent address needs to be updated, the student should contact the Registrar’s Office immediately at [email protected] to receive instructions on updating their addresses.

          Diplomas also will be mailed to the student’s permanent address by the end of June after all final grades and requirements have been reviewed.

          Students should note that WLU’s graduation fee will be reduced due to these changes and assessed at a later date.

          Additional details will be forwarded to students from the Registrar’s Office via campus email accounts and Topper Station in the coming weeks.

           Students in the Physician Assistant Studies Master’s Degree Program, which has a commencement ceremony planned for June, will receive information on its graduation ceremony directly from the PA Program later this spring.

          Additionally, students wanting to move out of dorm rooms will be advised by the Housing Office when it is safe to do so. This will not take place before May, and after the Stay at Home order issued by Gov. Jim Justice is lifted.

          West Liberty University regrets any inconvenience experienced during this national emergency and is grateful to its staff, faculty, and students for its cooperation and patience during this crisis. Campus and the public are encouraged to visit westliberty.edu/news for updates. Email questions to [email protected].