Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eastern Washington University has canceled its in-person spring commencement ceremony and says plans are in the works to hold the event online.

“This year, unfortunately, the global pandemic has forced us all to reset gatherings, celebrations and holidays,” EWU President Mary Cullinan said in a statement Wednesday. “We can’t hold a traditional commencement ceremony this spring.”

EWU said the virtual ceremony for 2020 graduates will take place on June 13, the day the regular event was to be held. The university said graduates who would have liked to walk the stage in June will be welcome to take part in next year’s ceremonies. The university may hold a special ceremony later this year, if gathering restrictions are lifted.

Washington State University plans to hold its next commencement ceremony online in May. Gonzaga and Whitworth universities have postponed their graduation events until September.