As the 2020–21 school year winds down, one big question looms for both high-school and college seniors: What will graduation look like?
In the second school year directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, states, school districts, colleges, and universities across the country are beginning to announce spring graduation plans — but they’re not one-size-fits-all.
From no-hugging rules to drive-thru ceremonies, location could have a big impact on what a senior’s ceremony will look like. Here’s what we know so far.
What will the format be?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still recommending that people “avoid large events and gatherings when possible.” But a number of schools are opting to host their ceremonies outside, which the CDC says provides the best ventilation and, in turn, lessens the chances of contracting COVID-19.
The University of Oklahoma, University of Texas, and Northeastern University, among others, announced outdoor commencement ceremonies this school year. Most of the ceremonies are also ticketed as a crowd-reduction measure.
In states like New York, outdoor ceremonies will still have capacity requirements. As the New York Times reported, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that outdoor ceremonies with more than 500 people cannot be more than 20% of the venue’s capacity. New York State is also requiring that attendees present either their vaccination card or a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Other schools are limiting attendance to graduates only.
Indiana University’s president notified class of 2021 graduates that family and friends would need to join virtually. Other schools like Brown University, Dartmouth University, and Smith College are taking a similar approach, according to Forbes.
Some schools are keeping their entire ceremonies remote this year to be extra safe. The University of Michigan — which endured serious COVID-19 outbreaks — opted to stay virtual this year, but is inviting this year and last year’s graduates to attend a future in-person ceremony.
Borrowing from the example of 2020, some high schools are opting to again hold drive-thru ceremonies, where graduates and their guests stay in their car for the duration of the event.
Last year, one school district went as far as hosting its drive-thru ceremony at the Daytona International Speedway, letting high-school students in Flagler County line up in their car, drive over the finish line to accept their diploma, and take a victory lap.
This year, colleges including Sonoma State University, Widener University, and Sacramento State University have already announced drive-thru ceremonies for the class of 2021, Forbes reported.
What safety precautions are schools or local governments taking?
Safety guidelines being enforced at commencement ceremonies this year include wearing a mask, social distancing, and even bans on hugging or handshakes.
In California, state guidelines prevent graduates from being handed their diploma onstage to avoid the customary exchange and handshake. Instead, they’ll turn their tassel while walking across the stage; diplomas will be placed on a table for graduates to pick up without contact.
Most in-person outdoor ceremonies in Florida will require masks, according to the Miami Herald, and some schools have also imposed a required temperature check before entering the venue.
Some schools are holding more ceremonies than usual in order to have smaller groups in one area at the same time. High schools throughout Ohio are opting for those small group ceremonies, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, said it was doing the same.
What are students saying?
While modified events are better than nothing, seniors across the country — and their families — can’t help but express disappointment over the way things are going.
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April 26, 2021 at 06:00PM
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2021 Graduation: What Will Graduation Look Like This Year? - Teen Vogue
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