Severe rain threat moves Clark Atlanta University commencement indoors

Clark Atlanta University will wrap up a three weeks of graduations and other ceremonies across metro Atlanta when it’s class of 2017 walks the boards to receive their degrees May 22. The area’s seven major colleges and universities will draw thousands of people to town, and into Atlanta traffic, during that time. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Clark Atlanta University will wrap up a three weeks of graduations and other ceremonies across metro Atlanta when it’s class of 2017 walks the boards to receive their degrees May 22. The area’s seven major colleges and universities will draw thousands of people to town, and into Atlanta traffic, during that time. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Clark Atlanta University graduates hoping for an outdoor ceremony may be a bit disappointed.

Inclement weather predicted for Monday has moved the 8 a.m. ceremony to Forbes Arena on Morehouse College’s campus, university spokeswoman Tenisha Bell said.

Morehouse will hold its commencement ceremony 8 a.m. Sunday and is expected to take place rain or shine on the Century Campus (the yard between Graves Hall and Harkness Hall).

There is an 80 percent chance of rain Sunday in Atlanta, according to Channel 2 Action News. There is a 60 percent chance of rain Monday.

“CAU officials are taking a proactive approach by moving the graduation indoors for the safety of graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends,” Bell said.

The school’s commencement ceremonies are traditionally held in Panther Stadium, an uncovered facility.

This year, the institution is awarding honorary degree to Katherine Johnson, the former NASA mathematician depicted in the Oscar-nominated movie "Hidden Figures." Johnson was played by actress Taraji P. Henson.

Johnson is unable to attend Monday’s commencement ceremony.