In order to comply with Gov. Wolf’s order this afternoon for immediate closure of all nonessential businesses in Pennsylvania, Westminster College will be closed as of 8 p.m. March 19. Only essential personnel needed to support the safety and health of the remaining residential students should report to campus to work until further notice, and they will be notified by their supervisors this evening. All other employees should plan to work from home as directed by their supervisors.
This closure will remain in effect until the order is lifted by Gov. Wolf.
Kathy Brittain Richardson, Ph.D.
President, Westminster College
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Westminster College will postpone its 166th commencement ceremony scheduled for May 9.
“This was a difficult decision to make because we understand how very important this celebration is to our hard-working seniors and their families, but we are in unprecedented times,” said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. “We did not arrive at this decision lightly. We are saddened, but we are also committed to keeping our students, their families and Westminster’s employees safe.”,
While a new date has not yet been set, Richardson said a formal commencement celebration will take place. Westminster’s campus task force continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will follow state and CDC recommendations regarding social distancing and large group gatherings.
"Commencement is a joyous time and we look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and to seeing our seniors walk across Weisel Senior Terrace to receive their diplomas,” said Richardson, adding that graduating seniors and their families will be notified as soon as a new date has been established."