ANKENY, Iowa—DMACC announced today the College-wide cancellation of its Spring Semester Commencement Ceremonies due to the impact of COVID-19.

“We have decided to cancel DMACC’s Spring Commencement to protect the health of students, faculty and staff and the thousands of family and guests who attend these events,” said Rob Denson, DMACC President. “Instead, we will use funds that would have paid for graduation ceremonies for direct service to students who are impacted by the COVID-19.”

This announcement impacts the Spring Semester Commencement Ceremony at Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines that was scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, the DMACC Boone Campus Commencement that was to be held in the Boone Campus Gymnasium and the DMACC Carroll Campus Commencement to be held at the Carroll Senior High School. All graduating students that meet the requirements will receive their Diploma or Degree in the mail in the weeks following the end of the term.

“We are hoping we can eventually reschedule these events so our students and their families can celebrate this significant accomplishment,” added Denson. “We are also exploring options for a virtual or livestreamed graduation address.”

Denson said, regardless of what is ultimately determined, any student who cannot attend a rescheduled or virtual graduation ceremony will be able to participate in an upcoming ceremony within a year of their official date.

“We will do the best we can. We believe that it’s important that students have the opportunity to walk across that stage, receive their diploma and be recognized for successfully completing this milestone in their academic career,” Denson said.

For more information, visit www.dmacc.edu/coronavirus.