Spring 2020 commencement ceremony to be conducted virtually
With the continued spread of COVID-19, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has made the decision to forego a traditional in-person commencement ceremony. Spring 2020 graduates are invited to participate in a virtual commencement ceremony taking place on July 17 at 6:30 p.m.
“As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from gathering in the traditional way to celebrate spring 2020 commencement,” said President Ira K. Blake in an April 29 email to students. “While we will not be gathering this May, I want to assure you that we will be celebrating your accomplishments and ushering you in as alumni. You, your families and loved ones are invited to join a virtual commencement ceremony.”
College students around the world have had their commencement ceremonies put on hold because of COVID-19. Across the nation, officials have placed laid out social distancing guidelines, which has made gathering for in-person commencement ceremonies an impossibility for the time being.
Previously, the commencement ceremonies for UHCL was scheduled for May 17, 2020, at the NRG Stadium. As the COVID-19 pandemic caused the closure to campus for non-essential personnel and the cancellation of on-campus events, the decision to postpone the ceremonies until a later date was announced March 20.
The postponement for the ceremonies was for possibly late summer or early fall. In an April 29 email to students, Blake said those graduating in spring 2020 would be welcomed at the next face-to-face commencement ceremony.
“Additionally, all graduates of the spring 2020 class will be invited to our next face-to-face commencement ceremony, which we hope will be held in fall 2020,” Blake said in the April 29 email. “We will share more details leading up to the virtual commencement, so monitor your UHCL email and visit the UHCL Commencement web page regularly for more information.”
Iliana Melendez, associate dean of students, said she will miss having the face-to-face experience for this semester’s ceremony.
“Personally, it is my favorite time of year, so I would be lying if I didn’t say I am sad that I won’t be there to physically watch our students walk across that stage,” Melendez said. “I have the honor of being on the platform, and seeing the joy, excitement and pride of our students as they receive their diploma is inspiring. I will miss this experience this year, but I am also looking forward to see how we make this come to life virtually for our students and their families and loved ones.”
The initial postponement of the May commencement ceremonies has affected students who have been looking forward to the degree conferral observance.
“This has impacted me in not feeling accomplished and so uncertain about my future,” said Bryssa Rodriguez, education major. “I feel like I have been taken away a milestone on completing my bachelor’s degree. I do not even feel excited to do it anymore I just want to finish and move on. My last semester at UHCL has definitely not been the best.”
Luis De Leon, mechanical engineering major, is not graduating this semester but said that if he were, he would be disappointed as well.
“If I were in that same position, I would probably feel the same way,” De Leon said. “I think, though, that people should not dwell too much on this because this too shall pass. When that graduation day finally comes, and you walk down that stage, I hope they forget about all of this and feel immense accomplishment that even through all this they were able to finish strong.”
Kathleen Garland, senior lecturer in business, said she is very proud of the students graduating this semester despite all of the obstacles they have had to face to do so.
“In ordinary times, one of my proudest moments is to stand on stage at commencement and cheer for each of you as you cross it,” Garland said. “This year, although that day must be delayed, I am even more proud as I watch you pursue this goal with determination despite many, many obstacles. Blessings and good health and congratulations to you all.”
Heather Kanenberg, associate professor of social work, said she hopes students know how proud their professors are of their accomplishments even without a ceremony.
“I hope our students know that even though we cannot be together to celebrate, even though there is no stage, no speeches, and no handshakes while receiving their diploma, we are so very proud of their accomplishments,” Kanenberg said. “I hope our graduates understand that managing to finish their final semester in a time of global crisis might be a perfect example of how strong and resilient they are!”
In her April 29 email to students, Blake reassures those intending to graduate in May will still receive their diplomas.
“Let me reassure you that if you meet the requirements of your degree program, you will still graduate in May,” Blake said in the email. “We are committed to evaluating your eligibility and posting your degrees to your transcripts by early June. You will receive your diploma within eight weeks after the end of the semester via mail at the address you indicated on your application for graduation just as we would any other semester.”
