The (virtual) reality of graduation
In early March, 2021, St. Kate’s announced that the combined graduation of the Spring 2020, Winter 2020 and Spring 2021 classes would be virtual. While this was a foreseeable announcement, the disappointment was evident for all parties involved, particularly because student input was not considered in the final decision making process and the University plans to slowly re-open more in-person activities starting April 6.
The announcement rippled through many student and alumni channels leading to the creation of a student led graduation petition that was signed by over 400 students. A letter with this petition was submitted to St. Kate’s leadership on March 5, requesting the voices of students to be heard.
Alumna and activist, Alma Silver, ‘20, spearheaded the original petition, alongside many other students. When asked what Silver would want people to know about graduation, she responded, “Alumni and current students would not have reacted so much if graduation was not such a critical capstone for us all. The petition is simply asking that student involvement and student input is put in the decision making process.”
The petition rendered a meeting with St. Kate’s leadership team including President Becky Roloff, Provost Anita Thomas, Associate Provost Matt Goodwin and several other leaders from various departments on campus. Student Senate and other concerned student voices scheduled this event for Friday, March 12.
During the meeting, it became clear that St. Kate’s leadership wants to celebrate the success of students who are graduating; however safety precautions and COVID-19 policies impact the ability to do an in-person ceremony. St. Kate’s has a diverse student body with various health and safety needs, and while many desire an in-person celebration, there are still many students for whom an in-person graduation would not be safe.
Abby Goulet ‘21, Interpreting, sees the value of this online graduation with a supplemental aspect. Goulet says, “While I want a memorable graduation, I know, and many students know, that sitting with many people would not be great for pandemic. In a weird, twisted way, if we can have a supplemental aspect, we are still getting the memories we want to keep. For the safety of all, having an optional in-person part of graduation would provide a silver lining for graduates.”
St. Kate’s leadership is currently working with Student Senate to come up with ways to supplement the online graduation with a COVID-19 safe in-person component. Student Body President, Jasmin Yangwaue, ‘20, Political Science, is working with the Student Senate to create a survey to gain student input.
Yangwaue wants students to know: “If you would like to contribute to this work, please fill out the survey. Senate is for all voices and wants to support and represent all students for this milestone.”
If you would like to be involved in the process of designing a supplemental graduation, please reach out to Student Senate.
