I was perusing Washington U.’s commencement Web site when I came upon the following message:

“In light of the recent outbreak of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus around the world, Washington University, following recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is asking any students or their guests who have had flu-like symptoms (fever with sore throat or cough) in the 7 days before commencement to refrain from attending commencement and related activities in the interest of public health.”

The message, which is dated Monday (May 11), goes on to note that people can watch the commencement ceremony online via a live streaming feed.

The school added that commencement is a “a joyous time in which we welcome thousands of students and their families to join us in celebration.”

This is not the only precaution the school has taken in the wake of swine flu. As I blogged a couple of weeks ago, the school also canceled a study-abroad program this summer in Puebla, Mexico, because of concerns about the illness. Sixteen students were enrolled in the program.

The Grade is the St. Louis region’s premier blog on education and child welfare. To read other recent posts, go to www.stltoday.com/thegrade.