Local colleges and universities have started adjusting their graduation dates for the Class of 2020 in face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muhlenberg College has made the boldest decision in announcing its graduation ceremony will be held during October.

“We have set a planned date of Oct. 17 and 18 to hold an on-campus ceremony and baccalaureate program, including our School of Continuing Education graduates,” according to Muhlenberg’s website.

However, Muhlenberg also held “virtual” ceremonies May 13 through 17. Administrators will mail diplomas once semester grades are finalized, according to the college’s website.

A statement on the Cedar Crest College website stated “The 150th commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 will be Aug. 22 at the PPL Center, Allentown.”

DeSales University, Center Valley, had not announced graduation plans as of April 18.

“At this time, no decision has been made about commencement exercises,” DeSales provided on its website.

“Depending on an individual degree program, the ability to complete requirements via an online format may delay degree completion; determination of such will be made at a later date when the impact of this situation is reviewed by academic department leaders.

“Students should remain in contact with their program director and/or advisor for the most up-to-date information.”

Lehigh University has changed its plans, saying planned ceremonies “would put our community at great health risk.

“As such, no activities will take place on these original dates, and we will postpone the commencement ceremony originally scheduled for May 18.

“To be clear, Lehigh University commencement is not canceled and we look forward to holding this celebratory event for the Class of 2020 in Goodman Stadium later this year.”

According to Lehigh University’s website, the university plans to “hold a virtual celebration at the end of the academic year. Degrees will be conferred and diplomas will be mailed at the end of the academic year as originally planned.

“The doctoral hooding ceremony will also be postponed. We recognize there are other meaningful recognition ceremonies and activities impacted and updates will be communicated as needed.

“All graduates will receive their diplomas approximately 6-8 weeks after May 18, assuming there are no COVID-19 related delays that affect the vendor’s turnaround time to print and mail diplomas. We will continue to provide updates on timing.

“What is a virtual celebration? The details are being refined, but the virtual celebration will provide an opportunity for graduating seniors to be recognized for their contributions and hard work and to be welcomed into the Lehigh alumni family! More information will be posted on [Lehigh University’s website] as it becomes available.”

Moravian College has not changed its planned graduation date, but has set an alternative date if needed. The college posted the following notice on its website:

“May 9, 2020 is still our commencement date. However, as announced last week, if a new date is needed, we will host an on-campus graduation ceremony on [Homecoming Weekend] Oct. 24, 2020.”

“This has the potential to be our most memorable graduation ceremony in 278 years because it will bring together generations of hounds who all care about you and Moravian College,” Moravian College President Bryon Grigsby said on the school’s website.

Lehigh Carbon Community College has canceled its planned commencement ceremony on May 13 at the PPL Center.

“Please check back here [at LCCC’s website] for further updates,” is the message featured on the website as of April 18.

Northampton Community College’s website listed May 21 for its commencement ceremonies.

Lafayette College announced its graduation for the Class of 2020 will be Aug. 1.

Kutztown University announced its commencement for the Class of 2020 will likely be moved to this fall.

“At this time, we feel that it is in the best interest of the health and safety of our campus community for the formal May commencement ceremonies to be rescheduled for a later date, most likely during the fall semester,” KU President Kenneth S. Hawkinson said in statement published on the university’s website.