Winthrop University’s plan for the December 2020 graduation ceremony is to socially distance as much as possible due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
“As we continue to navigate limitations on large gatherings and with continued concerns regarding the Coronavirus, Winthrop University has decided we will not be able to hold a regular commencement ceremony.” Winthrop wrote on their website. In lieu of a traditional ceremony, the university will be holding a virtual commencement ceremony on Dec. 19.
The graduation candidates of December 2020 have had very mixed feelings about the university’s decision. Shannon Bradley, a senior musical theatre major, is particularly saddened by having a virtual ceremony. “I feel like there was a way around this. Academic colleges could have graduated on different days, that way everyone could [practice social distancing],” Bradley said in an interview with The Johnsonian.
“It’s a milestone that most students look forward to — the closing of one chapter as another begins. Without a proper graduation ceremony, it doesn’t feel like a proper ending to this chapter of my life,” Bradley said. “It’s absolutely devastating.”
Commencement is a celebration of academic success and of the achievement of lifelong goals. By having this semester’s commencement online, it reduces some of the excitement. Caps and gowns are traded for Zoom calls. For many students, graduation is a final opportunity to say goodbye to classmates.
Maddi Penn, a senior performance major, feels more indifferent than Bradley regarding Winthrop’s decision to cancel in person commencement. “I’m personally not a ceremony person,” Penn said. “I don’t feel super affected by not being able to have a traditional ceremony. I’ll be getting the piece of paper either way.”
Students will be able to receive their diplomas via an in-person pick-up event. Winthrop has not yet released the date of this event, but is expected to soon. The university has not yet decided whether the event will be held as a drive-through, or if students will need to exit their vehicles. Students are required to bring their Winthrop ID in order to pick up their diploma. A mask must be worn at all times while picking up the diplomas.
Winthrop has stated that family members are only allowed to accompany them to the pick-up event if it is held via drive-through. If graduates are to exit their vehicles, then family members are asked to stay in the car to facilitate social distancing. However, students will be able to share the virtual commencement ceremony with their families, as Winthrop will be posting it to YouTube.
Although the ceremony is not what students expected, some traditions can still be honored. Students can wear a cap and gown to the diploma pick-up event, but it is not required. While students are expected to wear a mask, they can remove the masks while taking pictures. The campus bookstore will also have tassels on sale for students who wish to have a memento.
Candidates for graduation are encouraged to regularly check their email for more information regarding the virtual ceremony/diploma pick-up.
Photo by Emma Crouch
