College
Modifi ed graduations
remain likely for many
Though the world is slowly emerging from the pandemic as more people are vaccinated, virtual and modifi ed
graduations fi gure to be the norm for 2021. Metro Creative Connection
IN SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS AWARDED ANNUALLY
COURIER L 22 IFE, APRIL 16-22, 2021
BEST NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
BEST BUSINESS
SCHOOL
THE PRINCETON REVIEW
BEST NORTHEASTERN
UNIVERSITY
THE PRINCETON REVIEW
APPLY TODAY AT LIU.EDU/APPLY
Students continue to face
many challenges related
to the global pandemic.
No one could have
predicted at the start of 2020
that the schooling students
have grown accustomed to
over several generations
would be completely transformed,
seemingly at the
drop of a hat.
That sudden shift has
proven to be just one of many
challenges that students, educators
and parents faced
during the pandemic.
Members of the class of 2020
faced a lot of adversity as ceremonies
like prom and graduation
were canceled. Though
the world is slowly emerging
from the pandemic as more
people are vaccinated, virtual
and modifi ed graduations fi gure
to be the norm for 2021.
New York University
President Andrew Hamilton
announced in a February
2021 email that the school
would be holding a virtual
commencement for the Class
of 2021. He cited an inability
to safely host a mass gathering
amid the ongoing pandemic.
Indiana University
plans to hold an in-person
commencement at all of its
campuses, but it will be limited
to graduates only.
Family and friends can
join the celebration virtually.
Emory University will
have Dr. Anthony Fauci as
its commencement speaker
for its College of Arts and
Sciences. Emory plans to
hold a series of live and physically
distanced graduation
ceremonies for its various
colleges. Dr. Fauci will be
live-streamed remotely from
Washington, D.C. The University
of Florida and other
schools will spread ceremonies
across several days so
that graduates can receive
their degrees in person.
Regardless of how graduations
will be held this year,
graduates and their families
must be resilient and accommodating.
If a school hosts
an in person ceremony, graduates
may be asked to adhere
to certain guidelines,
including:
• Physical distancing
• Multiple ceremony dates
• Shortening marches
• Eliminating handshakes
• Less amount of speakers
• Limits guests
• Outdoor ceremonies
Graduates who will participate
in virtual commencements
are urged to
be ready for the celebration
in advance and test the
strength of their internet
connections.
Also, he or she should
download an updated version
of the video conferencing
application the school
will be using and check the
invitation link to understand
how to connect. Family
and friends should do the
same so they can view the
ceremony as well.
Graduations stand to be
different this year, but faculty
and students can do
their best to adapt and celebrate
graduates’ hardearned
accomplishments if
you are careful!
— Metro Creative Connection.
/APPLY
