Due to Concerns Over 'Shin-jong Corona', Graduation Caps Can't Be Worn... University Graduation and Entrance Ceremonies Canceled One After Another

Yonsei University, Konkuk University, Dongguk University Cancel Entrance and Graduation Ceremonies... No Freshman Orientation Either
Discussion on Postponing Semester Start by 1-2 Weeks... Universities Demand "Government-Level Guidelines"

On the 4th, as concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection grow, a notice prohibiting tourist entry was installed in front of the main gate of Ewha Womans University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) grow, universities are canceling major events such as degree conferment ceremonies (graduation ceremonies) and new student orientations (OT) one after another. The number of schools postponing the start of the new semester, originally scheduled for March 2, is also increasing.

Yonsei University posted a notice on its homepage on the 4th stating, "To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, we will cancel the entrance ceremony, degree conferment ceremony, president inauguration ceremony, faculty and staff retreats, and new student OT." Although the inauguration ceremony for President Seo Seung-hwan, who took office earlier this month, was omitted, the degree conferment ceremony was scheduled for the 24th.

Sogang University also decided to cancel the entrance ceremony, graduation ceremony, and new student OT for student safety and postpone the semester start by two weeks. Kyung Hee University has already canceled the entrance and graduation ceremonies and postponed the semester start by one week.

Myongji University decided to postpone the undergraduate and graduate degree conferment ceremonies scheduled for the 18th and 19th and cancel the new student and transfer student orientations. A Myongji University official said, "The spring semester degree conferment ceremony will be postponed to August in the summer and held together with the fall graduation ceremony," adding, "Diplomas and certificates will be distributed to students individually at their respective department offices or sent by mail."

Other universities such as Konkuk University, Sejong University, and Dongguk University have also canceled all entrance and graduation ceremonies. Ewha Womans University has canceled the graduation worship service scheduled for February 23 and the degree conferment ceremony scheduled for the 24th. Sungkyunkwan University canceled the entrance ceremony, and the decision on the graduation ceremony cancellation is under discussion.

Sungshin Women's University also decided to cancel the degree conferment ceremony scheduled for the 25th of this month and the new student orientation planned to be held on campus for three days starting from the 11th. Inha University postponed the graduation ceremony scheduled for the 21st and completely canceled the entrance ceremony scheduled for the 28th. The graduation ceremony will be combined with the August degree conferment ceremony.

In addition, Korea University, Hongik University, Hanyang University, and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies are also reviewing plans to cancel the new student entrance ceremonies and graduation ceremonies scheduled for this month.

Measures targeting Chinese international students are also being implemented ahead of the semester start.

Sungkyunkwan University recommends that international students arriving from China and other foreign countries self-quarantine for 14 days from their return date, even if they show no symptoms of the novel coronavirus, and will recognize absences during this period as attendance.

Konkuk University has allocated one of its five dormitory buildings separately for Chinese international students returning to Korea during the vacation. They are also considering temporarily allowing a six-month admission deferral if Chinese prospective students cannot obtain a Korean visa by March due to the Korean government's entry restrictions.

Universities are requesting that the Ministry of Education provide clear government-level guidelines regarding semester postponements and other measures to prevent confusion among universities and students and to allow for prior preparation.

The Korean Council of University Professors issued a statement on the same day, saying, "We strongly urge the government to take proactive measures by fully postponing the university semester start and completely banning the entry of foreign nationals, including university students coming from all over China to Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.