On Feb. 26, Provost Rupendra Paliwal provided commencement plans for the Class of 2021 in an email.
“We are excited to tell you that plans for your commencement exercises are starting to come together,” said Paliwal. “While there are still many details for the commencement planning committee to work out, we wanted to share what we know – in particular the dates – so you and your family can start making plans.”
Commencement will be held with three different ceremonies for undergraduates and one for graduate students.
On Wednesday, May 19, the College of Arts & Sciences and St. Vincent’s College with the College of Nursing and College of Health Professions will graduate.
On Thursday, May 20, the College of Business & Technology and College of Education will graduate.
On Saturday, May 22, all graduate programs will attend commencement.
“It is going to happen,” said President John Petillo. “It will be a commencement unless some horrific outbreak happens, and the state says forget about it. We have to have it outdoors. If not, we can’t have it.”
As to why the university is planning separate graduation days, Dean of Students Lawrence Wielk said, “It’s basically the only way we can do it. If we had the class graduate at once, then we would not be allowed to have guests.”
Some seniors were disappointed about the location and size of the crowd.
“After receiving the email regarding the graduation decision, I had mixed emotions. I was relieved, yet still felt I would not be getting the full SHU experience of the overwhelming crowd of friends and loved ones filling the stands of the Webster Bank Arena,” said senior Kali D’Agostinis.
Others said they missed the additional celebrations that are part of graduating from Sacred Heart.
“I am happy that we get to graduate but upset that we do not have any other activities leading up to graduation. There is nothing to look forward to graduation because there are no senior events,” said senior Brenna Leonard.
Overall, seniors were grateful that a ceremony could be possible during the pandemic.
“I feel very fortunate that the university has something planned for my graduating class. This is a difficult time for everyone, college seniors especially, so I definitely think that it’s as fair as it can get,” said senior Nicole O’Connell.
For international students, it can be harder to restrict family members.
“I do feel sad about only being able to bring two guests because we’re a family of four. It’s been hard going into this journey without them so having them there would have been nice,” said senior Marlis Prieto. “I’m just grateful I’m not missing the experience of having a graduation ceremony, even though not all my family is going to be there.”
“It is time to pray for a sunny day. There will be a commencement rain or shine,” said Petillo.
The logistics of commencement are still being finalized. Michael Iannazzi, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, said that there are sub-committees in place to make commencement memorable.
“Every sub-committee, music, AV and registrar are meeting to discuss what they do for commencement and how they would adapt given this scenario,” said Iannazzi. “A lot of those logistics need to be worked out. I think we can do everything that has been done or all traditional aspects.”
Administrators and faculty are working together to provide a COVID-19-friendly yet distanced ceremony.
“Chairs set up on the field will be 6 feet apart. There will not be a handshake when handing out the diploma. Everyone will have their masks on,” said Wielk. “We want to make it as close to our commencement as possible. We are planning on incorporating all the normal tendencies.”
It is a tradition for every student to take a picture with President Petillo. Some students wondered whether he would be able to do so.
“I’m planning on doing it,” said Petillo. “They’re advising me that I can’t, but I’m hoping we can at least take a picture.”
As the semester continues, so do precautions on campus.
“Stay in the course. We are going to continue weekly mandatory testing. We will probably test the class the week prior to commencement,” said Wielk. “Hopefully we’ll be at a point where we don’t have to test parents but rather do a temperature check as they walk in.”
There are still challenges ahead even before commencement occurs.
“It concerns us with Easter coming back. Everyone is going home but everyone is going to have to get tested,” said Petillo. “Keep the Pioneer Promise. Don’t slack off.”
In other developments, Sacred Heart has opened a vaccination site that will begin giving vaccinations on March 10 under the rules of the state of Connecticut. In addition, there are more plans for the spring.
“We have to do more activities for our students as the weather gets nicer, but we need to be prudent,” said Wielk.
“In the next couple of weeks, we are going to be allowing students to watch sports outdoors on the field. There will be a capacity that the state requires,” said Petillo. “At least we’re going to let them be there.”
Many students remain hopeful that there will be a lot of positive changes, including for their commencement.
“Since May is some time away, a lot can happen. I have hopes that based on data and COVID-19 rates, SHU’s decision for the 2021 commencement can be improved within the months to come,” said D’Agostinis.
