Fall semester commencement briefing

SVSU is taking every measure to ensure its fall graduates receive recognition and congratulations for their achievements.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SVSU had to cancel its traditional in-person commencement ceremony. However, in its place, a virtual commencement event will be held on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

James Dwyer, the executive director of Alumni Relations, wanted to make sure that the fall graduates, along with their friends and family, are able to participate in the ceremony.

“I take great pride because, to me, the hardest part right now during this pandemic has been what we can do and what our graduates deserve to have,” Dwyer said. “This is the culmination of a student’s journey. For some it’s been easier than others, but it doesn’t matter. They’ve made it.”

The ceremony on Dec. 18 will have commencement for each college every half hour. Back in May, virtual graduation was held for all of the colleges all at once.

“What we’re doing now is every college will have their own graduation,” Dwyer said. “Each will have comments from the president, comments from the provost and comments from the dean.”

Students received the option to send in a picture to be used in the virtual graduation ceremony with their cap and gown, which they could pick up at SVSU or have sent to their address.

Graduates also were sent “grad packets” in the mail over the past few weeks, including items such as the grad program, a diploma cover, a decal, a mask and a letter from the SVSU president.

Additionally, students graduating this semester are given the option to walk in a traditional, in-person commencement ceremony in the future.

“We let these graduates walk when we are back to ‘normal’ if they choose to do so,” Dwyer said. “It doesn’t matter how much later, if it’s next year or ten years later, we still give them that option.”

Additional information on the virtual commencement and where to livestream it can be found on the SVSU website. The ceremony will also be recorded for those who are unable to virtually attend at the time of the event.

Categories: Uncategorized

Tagged as: ,

Leave a Reply