Arizona State University announced that its spring class of 2020 graduation ceremonies will be held online rather than in-person in May.
The university followed Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona and other colleges throughout the U.S. that have already announced that ceremonies will take place online to slow the spread of COVID-19.
So far, there has been 1,590 cases of COVID-19 and 32 deaths confirmed in Arizona as of Thursday, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The announcement came a week after President Michael Crow told the State Press that there are 15 reported cases of students who have COVID-19.
Crow announced the new change to students Thursday morning, advising that the format will be different, but the “enthusiasm for celebration has never been more inspired.”
“Reimagining ASU’s commencement ceremonies does not mean canceling them. Sun Devil Nation is going to celebrate,” he said in a press release.”We will continue in the spirit that drove us earlier in the semester when classes were moved to an online format. We will continue to advance.”
He said as a first-generation college student whose family values college attainment, he understands that many students and their families will be disappointed by the decision. He shared that students graduating in May are welcome to participate in both December and May 2021 ceremonies.
Jocelyn Gomez, a first-generation college student and senior majoring in psychology, said she is upset because she would like her family and friends to see her accomplishments on stage.
“I understand it’s for the safety of everyone to cancel in-person commencement”, said Gomez.
Hanna Dawson, a senior majoring in communication said she isn’t “too upset” because the ceremony does not validate her degree.
“I still feel just as excited and proud of my accomplishments,” Dawson said.
Dawson said she’s confused about how a virtual graduation with thousands of students will work and is interested to see how the ceremony will take place.
Both Gomez and Dawson appreciate the option of attending the ceremonies at a later date.
“I’m looking forward to crossing the stage at some point,” Gomez said.
Gomez said she may come back to celebrate her achievement, while Dawson said she’s ready to move on to her career.
Dawson said she would feel “strange” to come back and attend a graduation ceremony six-to-seven months after she completed college.
Contact the reporter at ycarlos@asu.edu
