Classes at the University of Montevallo will remain online through the end of the semester, and Spring Commencement has been postponed until Aug. 7, according to an email from President John Stewart.

Dr. Stewart’s email stated that students will have an opportunity to return to their dorms to collect their personal belongs and that more information about that plan will be available next week. The email said campus residents should contact their resident assistant or the Housing office next week.

Regarding Commencement, Dr. Stewart said, “It is our genuine hope that many, many members of the Class of 2020 will return with their loved ones for Commencement on Aug. 7. We pledge to make this Commencement a meaningful, remarkable occasion – our seniors deserve nothing less.”

We pledge to make this Commencement a meaningful, remarkable occasion – our seniors deserve nothing less.

-Dr. John W. Stewart, President

An earlier email to UM faculty and staff sent from University Marketing and Communications referenced an order from the State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, that all education institutions keep students and non-essential employees off of campuses statewide until further notice.

The University of Montevallo has already shifted to a distance education model for the remainder of the semester.

“The University of Montevallo has already shifted to a distance education model for the remainder of the semester,” the email read. “UM is in compliance with the Health Department’s order.”

“I am deeply sorry that we cannot finish the semester in person, but know that our faculty will provide the most creative and effective instruction by distance that they possibly can,” Dr. Stewart said in his later email. “The UM family will let nothing impede our students’ path to graduation.”

Dr. Stewart also a said UM is “working on a method for all current students to access remotely academic advising and registration for May and summer terms as well as registration for the fall term.” Details of that plan should be available next week.