We need to talk about graduation
As we start the spring semester, many seniors have graduation on their mind. But with the COVID-19 raging on as it did around this time last year, seniors are left wondering what that will look like. Even though there are many ways the ceremony could play out, some sort of ceremony needs to happen, and seniors need to be in the loop and part of that ongoing discussion.
Last year, the class of 2020 did not get a graduation — neither virtual nor in-person. Graduates were surveyed for their preferences, and had some virtual events around the date when commencement was scheduled to occur.
The plan seemed to be that the class of 2020 would, under the right circumstances, get a proper ceremony alongside the class of 2021 in May, but there is no word on if that is still the plan.
This year, while still in a world that revolves around COVID-19, we are better equipped to handle it. We have come a long way since May of last year.
We know more about COVID-19 as a virus, such as its symptoms, effects, and risk factors. The distribution of the vaccine is in full swing, hopefully making us one step closer to a COVID-19 free world.
With that being said, we still need to be cautious when it comes to the virus, as it is still very prominent. Safety does need to be the first priority in discussing options for graduation.
Because of COVID-19, many of us have a better understanding of how to navigate the digital world. It can be safe to say that everyone’s ability to use technology has been forced to improve, and that can be utilized in putting together commencement.
Many schools have taken advantage of putting together virtual graduation ceremonies. For Aurora University’s December 2020 commencement, the university put together a video by pre-recording speakers and putting together individual slides to honor each graduate. There has also been an increased use of drive-thru graduations and opportunities for students to be pre-recorded walking across the stage.
Maybe it will not be safe enough for an in-person graduation ceremony come May, but it could be possible come the summer or fall. For example, having a commencement ceremony around Homecoming may be the perfect way to celebrate EU’s newest alumni.
Regardless of all the possible ideas for commencement, the most important thing is that students are not left in the dark about what is happening.
Graduates should not be asking in the EU student group on Facebook where they should be purchasing their caps and gowns — if they should be at all.
Graduates need to know if they need to fly their loved ones — or even themselves — to participate in some sort of in-person festivities.
Yes, it is understandable that there is still uncertainty for what the upcoming months should look like. However, that should not stop the conversation from at least starting.
The university should make a graduation updates page and do the research for what needs to happen for in-person ceremonies (with or without guests) to be possible. They need to be taking the steps — if they are not already doing so — to implement a virtual ceremony if needed — one that credits each individual senior for all the hard work they put in.
They need to be transparent about the information they do not yet know and answer senior’s questions to the best of their ability.
In these still difficult times, seniors, of this year and last year, need to know that they will still be celebrated. Commencement is a big deal for everyone, especially when it comes to first-generation college students and students that never thought they would make it to this point.
The first step into making this situation better for everyone is keeping an open line of communication and not leaving seniors and their loved ones in the dark.