Big Idea 

• Due to COVID-19, the 2020 OctoberWest homecoming and Wings Out West Airshow are cancelled
• The Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony will take place in Spring 2021
• Fall Sports are also moved to Spring 2021, including Cross Country, Soccer and Women’s Volleyball
• Fall students will return on August 24, with low-density, face-to-face instruction

PRESCOTT, Ariz. – As Covid-19 continues to spread across the United States, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has had to make some difficult decisions regarding large-scale events and activities scheduled for the upcoming fall semester.

OctoberWest homecoming festivities, including the annual Wings Out West Airshow are cancelled for 2020.

“We are disappointed that there will be no Wings Out West Airshow this year, but the health and well-being of our Embry-Riddle and Prescott community is paramount,” said Chancellor Dr. Anette Karlsson. “We have been so proud to partner with the City of Prescott to bring this annual event to our community— one that continues to be so supportive of Embry-Riddle. We hope to bring the airshow back next year.”

The Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony that was re-scheduled for Oct. 2 has now been re-scheduled for Spring 2021. The Fall 2020 Commencement Ceremony has also been re-scheduled for Spring 2021. Graduates are also welcome to “walk” in Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus ceremonies.

“It pains us to once again postpone 2020 commencement as our students work so hard to earn an Embry-Riddle degree and we want to give them the recognition and honor they deserve,” Karlsson said. “But in keeping with our duty and responsibility to keep everyone safe and healthy, we simply cannot risk holding such a large gathering amid this ongoing pandemic.” 

The President’s Council of the California Pacific Conference announced the move of the fall sport seasons in cross country, soccer, and women's volleyball to Spring 2021. The Cal Pac conference will work closely with the NAIA regarding possible realignment of national post-season opportunities, and will adjust conference scheduling and league tournament sites and formats as appropriate. The conference expects training and coach-to-athlete contact to start once the students are on campus for the upcoming term. For the complete Cal Pac announcement, see: https://www.eraueagles.com/article/2719.

Despite the cancellation of larger gatherings and events, Embry-Riddle resumed low-density, face-to-face instruction on June 30 for summer students, with fall students returning for classes starting on Aug. 24. Additionally, Embry-Riddle announced in June that in response to Covid-19, the fall academic calendar has been modified to minimize travel and reduce health risks. Face-to-face classes will conclude the day before the start of Thanksgiving Break, on Tuesday, Nov. 24. The week of Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 is designated for study days, with students studying from home. Final exams will be held as scheduled, but done remotely (online) or via take-home assignments.

“These decisions reflect our continuing goal to act in the best interests of students and community safety,” added Karlsson.

For all Covid-19 related announcements, FAQ’s, best practices, and test results, go to: https://erau.edu/coronavirus.

Media Contact: Jason Kadah, Communications Director, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Ariz.; (928) 777-6731; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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