On Friday Feb. 26, graduates in the class of 2021 received an email regarding Sacred Heart University’s plans for their commencement ceremonies.
The email announced that graduation would be in person on Campus Field, as opposed to Webster Bank Arena where the ceremony is typically held. In order to accommodate everyone in a socially distanced way the administration plans to hold three separate ceremonies for undergraduates and one for graduates.
“I had a gut feeling that we would be allowed to graduate with our class in person,” said early graduate Jonathan Soriano, who is the advertising sales manager for The Spectrum. “It’s something to look forward to, and I’m excited to get back to that sense of community that we all strive to have.”
The students who worked to plan the ceremony said they were expecting to celebrate in person.
“I actually helped with graduation planning during a winter events class, so I wasn’t surprised by us having an in person ceremony,” said senior Emma Trimmings. “I’m glad that we will have some kind or normal senior event.”
Senior week will not take place to keep active cases at a level that allows the ceremonies to happen, which disappointed a number of students.
“To be honest, having no senior week sucks,” said senior Meaghan Hynes. “It was something I had been looking forward to since freshman year, hearing all the legends of senior week, but it was expected.”
Similarly, senior Celia Hanlon said, “I’m disappointed, I can’t lie. It’s something I was looking forward to. But obviously, everyone’s safety is the first priority. As sad as it is, I understand the decision completely.”
In addition to the cancelation of senior week, ceremony attendees will be limited due to safety precautions and social distancing rules. Only two guests will be permitted to attend per graduate.
“I will say I am disappointed that we are only allowed to have two guests for the ceremony,” said senior Mia Stark. “Graduating college is a big deal and one of the last big ceremonies a student will have in their life, so I know a lot of my family was hoping to come.”
For family and friends that would like to support students but can’t attend, the ceremony will be live streamed online to watch.
“I think it will be a struggle to only get to invite certain people,” said Hynes. “It’s such a special event and you want to share it with as many people as possible.”
In addition, ceremonies will be separated between different groups and days, limiting students from possibly graduating with their friends.
“I’m very sad I can’t graduate with all my friends on the same day, but any sacrifice to have the ceremony in person is worth it to me,” said Trimmings.
More commencement details will be coming as the committee finalizes its plans, according to the email students received.
