University of Mount Olive Announces Graduation Rescheduling and Class Cancellation due to Hurricane Irene
MOUNT OLIVE –University of Mount Olive President Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter said, “Student safety is our primary concern. We have therefore made the decision to cancel classes at our Mount Olive location on Friday, August 26, and to also reschedule Saturday’s graduation.”
Reports from the College indicate that due to Hurricane Irene, the 58th Annual Commencement scheduled for Saturday, August 27 will be rescheduled to 2:00 PM Saturday, September 17. The approximately 250 students planning to graduate will be notified by the academic advisors at each University of Mount Olive location, through the College’s campus phone alert system, and through the campus website. Kerstetter indicated that degrees will be conferred officially on the planned date and diplomas will be mailed next week, so as not to delay students with job prospects and other opportunities.
“We understand the need for students to receive their degrees in the planned time-frame,” Kerstetter said. “But we also recognize our responsibility for keeping our students and their families safe. Moving commencement will allow our students the opportunity to safely have all the traditional pomp and circumstance they expect and deserve. Mailing the diplomas next week will ensure that students can pursue their professional goals on schedule.”
Additionally, the College has canceled all classes at the Mount Olive location for Friday, August 26, to give those students who wish to return home time to travel safely. According to Dan Sullivan, vice president for Student Development, students are being encouraged to leave campus, however provisions will be made for any student that does not have a safe alternative.
All students, staff, and faculty at University of Mount Olive are being encouraged to stay tuned to the College’s website at www.moc.edu and to the Campus Alert text and phone system for any further updates.
University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.