New Information Regarding May 2021 Commencement

By Emily Robles | Published by February 25, 2021

With Covid-19 creating anxiety everywhere, those in the senior class of 2021 could not help but wonder what kind of graduation they should expect. Some students expressed concern about what they considered was a lack of information, and they said it left them with uneasy feelings.

However, some of the anxiety was relieved in early February when the university announced plans for a May 2021 commencement. Due to Covid-19, things will be run differently than the typical graduation.

In an email sent out to all students, the university announced that it will hold a series of in-person commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021 at Alumni Stadium on campus, beginning May 12. The new deadline for qualified students to apply for graduation is February 19.

The press release about the commencement stated that Covid-19 protocols will be followed, with social distancing and face masks required. All ceremonies taking place in May will also be live streamed for family members to watch at home.

Before the information was announced, soon to be graduates were worried about their commencement and the details of it due to it approaching soon.

“I don’t believe I’ve received any information about the commencement which increases my anxiety because there’s a lot of unknown elements regarding life after graduation,” senior media and film major Luke Jones said.

Jones stated that the lack of information had him feeling uneasy and lost.

“I feel as though I should be more excited to be graduating but it hasn’t hit me yet,” Jones said.

Senior communications major Tasha Dowbachuk said she also felt upset about not knowing any info.

“The lack of information regarding commencement, accessibility to yearbooks and any updates for the Class of 2021 is discouraging,” Dowbachuk said.

Before any information was released, Dowbachuk said that she contacted the university’s office and was told to keep checking Kean email and the school’s website. Now, upon receiving new updated information, Dowbachuk feels more excited about what’s to come.

“Graduation is a huge milestone for any college student but particularly for the many at Kean who are the first in their families to go to college,” President Repollet said in a press release about the event posted on the university’s website. “Our team is working hard to prepare ceremonies that are both memorable and safe as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

Justin Brown, a senior media and film major, said he feels confident about the ceremony.

“I’m all for it as long as it’s safe, sanitized and spaced out,” said Brown. “This is a big day for me and my family, but our health is bigger than all.”

Another issue seniors had was the lack of information regarding senior pictures. In November, students had the opportunity to get their graduation pictures taken on campus, but many claimed to be unaware of this event or that it was even offered.

“Personally, I don’t remember seeing any emails or notifications for senior pictures. Not to say they weren’t sent out, but I get a lot of emails every day,” Brown said.

Brown stated that he had already made plans to get his pictures taken elsewhere and wasn’t that upset when he found out that he missed the appointments in November.

Caroline Flood, a senior communications major, said she didn’t know about the graduation photo sessions that took place in November until it was recently brought to her attention for this interview.

“To be honest, I did not know we could get our pictures done for graduation until right now because the school did not say anything to me,” Flood said. “I believe that Kean University should contact and update students who are eligible to graduate and inform them of these types of special events like grad pictures sooner rather than later.”

Recently, additional appointments were made for seniors to get their graduation pictures taken for the week of February 8. An email from KU Senior Events was sent to some students about the new dates.

“I love that there is more information being released,” Dowbachuk said. “I’ve registered to get my pictures taken this time.”

Dowbachuk had missed the first appointments in November but is happy the university added additional dates so she can get her picture taken.

With the new information given to the graduating class, seniors are feeling a lot more confident with what’s coming in May.

“I feel really relieved,” Dowbachuk said. “It took a while, but I’m hopeful now that the Class of 2021 will receive more information in a timely manner for us to celebrate our four years at Kean University.”

---