COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri has postponed its annual Family Weekend and canceled some homecoming traditions, like the parade.
Family Weekend was scheduled to take place Sept. 25-27. A makeup date has not yet been announced.
“This was not an easy decision to make, and we know it is disappointing for Mizzou families,” said Bill Stackman, vice chancellor for student affairs. “We are hopeful that we will be able to reschedule the event for the spring so our students and families can enjoy this special Mizzou tradition.”
Hosting the Family Weekend's events would run counter to university policies and procedures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, Stackman said. The university has put in place policies limiting events to no more than 20 people and limiting travel for all community members.
The homecoming parade has been canceled, a university spokesperson confirmed, while some homecoming events may occur virtually.
"The Mizzou Alumni Association is committed to marking Homecoming with experiences that everyone can access, no matter where they are," the spokesperson said an email. "Some of our events lend themselves to virtual experiences like Hall of Fame, which we will showcase virtually this year. Not all events translate as well to virtual or small-group."
The university made the decision to cancel the parade several weeks ahead to give parade participants, some of whom travel, time to plan ahead.
Mizzou's homecoming game against Vanderbilt is scheduled for Oct. 17. For more information on the weekend's events, click here.