Kean to hold “virtual” commencement due to COVID-19

By Salimah McCullough | Published by April 17, 2020

For four years, students asked each other: when are you going to walk? Walk, meaning, the traditional walk across the stage in their decorated cap and long graduation gown to receive your baccalaureate from the dean of your college. But the Class of 2020 is probably the first in Kean University’s history that will not be taking those steps this spring.

On March 26, Kean made the decision to hold an online commencement ceremony for the class of 2020, in place of the regular graduation ceremony, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an email sent to all students, Kean President Dawood Farahi explained that the virtual ceremonies will be taking place because the size of the ceremonies would be much larger than the recommended gathering size standards that are in place right now. Also, the facilities have no plans of reopening in time to prepare for graduation.  

“We have come to the difficult but necessary decision to hold a virtual commencement event in late spring for all of our incredible 2020 graduates,” Farahi said in the email. “Our virtual commencement will be different from our annual tradition but is being planned to be equally celebratory and inspiring. We will work to ensure each student who wishes to participate is recognized for their achievements.”   

Undergraduate commencement was set to take place at The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 21 while the Graduate commencement was set to take place on May 19 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center also in Newark, NJ.  

 In New Jersey, all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, otherwise authorized, are prohibited. All Non-essential businesses must close including entertainment centers, performing arts centers, and other concert venues. As o March 16, the Center or Disease Control and Prevention recommended events with gatherings of 10+ people be canceled.  On April 7, during his daily Coronavirus press briefing, Governor Phil Murphy expressed that he was not optimistic about graduation ceremonies in NJ happening in May or June. 

“I am not trying to be flippant, but I wouldn’t put any nonrefundable checks down on our celebrations right now,” Murphy said. “It’s hard to say otherwise.”  

Farahi also explained that this decision is what’s best to ensure that the health and safety of all Kean graduates, families, and friends and that health is the top priority.  

“We all must remember that a commencement is a one-day celebration, but earning a degree is what matters most of all for our students, for the rest of their lives,” Farahi said. “ The resilience of our graduating students in these troubling times amplifies our pride in their accomplishments and achievements.”  

After the email was sent, many Kean seniors and graduate students took to social media to share their thoughts on the cancellation of the 2020 graduation ceremonies. 

“I’m extremely disappointed in the University’s decision to take an important day for many students and not even take the time to suggest a postponement,” said Annalise Knudson, who is graduating with a Master’s Degree in Communication. “I’ve been in grad. school for the last three years and I don’t think sitting at home in front of my computer will ever live up to the same expectation of walking across that stage.” 

Senior Claudia Tantillo also wants that feeling of walking across the stage at graduation instead of a virtual graduation ceremony. 

“We deserve to walk. I didn’t wait four years to be graduating on Google,” Tantillo said. “We walk for pride and our accomplishments. Postponing for the fall would give us that opportunity to give us that last moment to shine .” 

President Farahi further explained that the University is working to develop a virtual, interactive experience that allows all graduates to be recognized individually for their achievements. This would be taking place through an interactive video platform and loved ones will be able to share the experience and keep it as a treasured keepsake.   

“I worked so hard for this degree and it won’t be celebrated in the proper way,” said Bernadette Kelly, a senior who will graduate with a BA in Communication Studies. “A virtual graduation isn’t the same. I just wish they tried to do more for us.”  

A few hours after the initial email was sent to all faculty and staff, students rallied together to create a petition to postpone the ceremony. As of April 16, the petition had 7,956 signatures.  

“I’ve been in this school since 2013 and I’ve struggled and changed my life around,” said Jenniffer Gonzalez, senior majoring in studio art. “When I can finally enjoy graduation that I’ve been waiting for, it gets ruined.”   

On April 10, President Dawood Farahi sent a letter to the graduating seniors expressing how this commencement wouldn’t have just been very special to us, but to him as well being as it is his last.  

“Although we can’t hold ceremonies at NJPAC or the Prudential Center, we have a team of people developing a virtual commencement plan that will celebrate each of you individually,” Farahi said. “The virtual ceremony will not only include the speeches and performances that are typically part of our commencement ceremonies, it will include a chance for each of you to shine with personal messages.” 

Farahi’s email said Kean that while he can’t make any promises due to COVID-19, Kean is currently considering having smaller, more intimate commencement ceremonies on campus for each of Kean’s colleges in the late summer. 

“This would give each of you the opportunity to walk across the stage and accept your diploma to the cheers of your family, friends, and classmates,” Farahi said.  

The virtual commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29. In an email sent to all students and staff on April 17, the virtual commencement experience will include “exciting speakers, personalized content and the chance for everyone to interact and share their stories.” 

 

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