Commencement season is a time of celebration for graduating students and their families, but this year, two prestigious universities, Columbia and Emory, have announced changes to their traditional commencement ceremonies. Both schools are modifying their graduation events in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
At Columbia University in New York City, the administration has decided to hold virtual commencement ceremonies for the second year in a row. This decision comes as a disappointment to many graduating students who had hoped for an in-person celebration. However, university officials believe that it is necessary to prioritize the health and safety of the Columbia community by avoiding large gatherings.
In a statement released by the university, President Lee Bollinger expressed his regret over the decision but emphasized the importance of adhering to public health guidelines. “While we would prefer to gather in person to mark this significant milestone in our students’ lives, the current circumstances make it impossible to do so safely,” he said.
Instead of in-person ceremonies, Columbia will host virtual commencement events that will include speeches, award presentations, and the reading of graduates’ names. The university is also exploring options for small, in-person gatherings for graduates to celebrate with their families and friends.
Similarly, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced changes to its commencement plans in light of the pandemic. While Emory had originally planned to hold in-person ceremonies this spring, the university has decided to move the events online due to rising COVID-19 cases in the region.
In a message to graduating students, Emory President Gregory L. Fenves explained the rationale behind the decision. “The health and safety of our community remain our top priority, and we must continue to adapt to the evolving public health situation,” he said. Fenves also expressed his commitment to providing a meaningful and memorable virtual commencement experience for the graduating class.
Despite the disappointment of not being able to celebrate in person, both Columbia and Emory are working to ensure that their graduating students feel honored and recognized for their achievements. By adapting their traditional commencement ceremonies to a virtual format, the universities are prioritizing the well-being of their communities while still marking this significant milestone in the lives of their graduates.
While these changes may not be what students had hoped for, they are a necessary response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, universities are making difficult decisions in order to protect the health and safety of their students, faculty, and staff. Graduating seniors can take solace in knowing that their hard work and accomplishments are still being celebrated, even if it looks a little different this year.
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