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Graduation ceremonies canceled

In the midst of the ever-changing situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Community College faculty and staff will work from home beginning Wednesday until at least April 3.

According to Camp President Dr. Daniel Lufkin, a re-evaluation will have taken place by that time, which will guide the college on how to proceed.

“We will still have some essential staff physically on site in Franklin,” Lufkin said. “Some of that crew will include employees from maintenance, public safety and payroll.”

Late last week during the students’ spring break, Lufkin announced that the college will close to students and visitors until April 3, and begin remote classes on March 18.

“Just as before, I want to reiterate that we are open for business,” he said, advising that students contact advisors and other staff or faculty through email or phone. “It is mission critical that we remain poised to help students cross the finish line and successfully complete the spring semester.”

In addition to this news, Virginia’s Community Colleges announced Tuesday that all commencement ceremonies in the system are canceled via the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations to limit large gatherings. Individual colleges will have the opportunity to hold some sort of recognition at a later date.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Lufkin said. “Graduation is the highlight of our academic year. It is disappointing, but it is the prudent thing to do.”

Opened in 1971, Paul D. Camp Community College is a two-year public educational institution with campuses in Franklin and Suffolk, and a center in Smithfield.