University of Wisconsin Oshkosh officials are canceling the Dec. 17 commencement ceremony due to the forecasted dangerous weather.
“The safety of our students, staff and guests is our foremost concern,” University Police Chief Kurt Leibold said. “While conditions on the UW Oshkosh campus may not be hazardous Saturday morning, we are concerned with the safety of people who may be traveling to and from campus for the commencement ceremony.”
The City of Oshkosh has declared a snow emergency and Wisconsin State Patrol has advised against travel throughout the region.
“We understand how monumental crossing the commencement stage is for our UW Oshkosh graduates,” Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said. “However, given the danger of this storm and the warnings from city and state officials, we feel it’s essential to consider the safety of our staff, students and their families.”
UW Oshkosh students who were expected to graduate—and participate in the commencement ceremony—are invited to participate in the spring commencement ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 13. Additionally, Chancellor Leavitt and Provost Lane Earns will hold a graduation recognition ceremony for students and their families at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan. 28.
Residence halls will remain open to students throughout the weekend. On-campus housing options are also available at Gruenhagen Conference Center as an alternative to driving.
