Morgan State University tentatively beginning to plan for in-person spring commencement

Morgan State University said Wednesday that it has begun the planning process to hold an in-person commencement this coming spring, according to a spokesperson.

University spokesman Larry Jones said in an email that the school is in the “preliminary planning” process of the in-person ceremonies that would include spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 graduates.

Jones said the university started planning because it is hopeful that conditions around the coronavirus will improve and allow for more in-person events.

“We are currently evaluating several safely social options and will share more details as the planning nears finalization," Jones said. "Things are still really early in the planning process and there’s nothing definitive to report at this point, as it relates to the spring.

The commencement committee has been meeting at the request of university President David Wilson, Jones said.

Morgan State has not held in-person graduations since COVID-19 began ravaging the country in the late winter. In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive orders have limited the number of people able to gather to help curb the spread of the virus.

Maryland health officials reported 1,000 new coronavirus cases Wednesday — the highest daily total since Aug. 1 — and 10 more deaths tied to COVID-19.