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University of Guelph holding online convocation ceremonies for all graduating classes of 2020

'Putting this together has very much been a collaborative effort, trying to adapt to this new reality of virtual,'
20201023 Keepsake boxes AD
An image of the keepsake boxes sent to Guelph graduates. Supplied photo.

The University of Guelph is not letting the graduating class of 2020 miss out on celebrating its achievements.

This year, the university will be holding online convocation ceremonies for winter, summer and fall graduates. The first event will be held on YouTube and Facebook Live on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. 

Graduates will be guided to their specific program to watch on the convocation website. A link can be found here

During the ceremony, students from each program will share their thoughts, hopes and well wishes in a video. The president of the university and faculty on campus will also congratulate students. The event will also feature greetings from alumni and local politicians.

Claire Alexander, the special projects manager in U of G’s office of ceremonies and events, says this event is the university’s way of letting students know they are thinking about them and celebrating alongside them.

“Putting this together has very much been a collaborative effort, trying to adapt to this new reality of virtual,” Alexander said. “Everyone really pitched in because we want to create something special for the graduating students.” says Alexander in a release from the university.

To add to the virtual festivities, degrees were sent to all students in keepsake boxes, which include a tassel and confetti cannon.

U of G president Charlotte Yates says having a virtual convocation is the best way to protect students and their families, as well as faculty, staff and the broader community.

“We had hoped to hold in-person ceremonies in October, allowing fall graduates and those who had their June convocation postponed due to COVID-19 to cross the stage in front of family and friends,” says Yates in the release, “But government protocols and public health concerns about physical distancing and large public gatherings continue.”

“I believe that graduates and their families and friends will feel they have been a part of something very special.”

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