Brock, college ceremonies go online
‘Get ready for something completely different,’ says Niagara president
It all sounds so 1930-ish: Families huddled together around an electrical device, taking in the broadcast of a big ceremony happening far away.
Substitute tablets and laptops for the old box-style radio, and that will be the scene in midJune when Niagara College and Brock University stage their annual convocations.
For the first time, it will all be done online. No crowd allowed. Thanks again, COVID-19. “In keeping with the times, get ready for something completely different but equally exciting,” said college president Sean Kennedy, on the college website.
The pomp and circumstance of the traditional ceremonies — gowned students marching into the hall, inspirational music playing, hundreds of family members looking on — isn’t possible this year.
Public health rules won’t permit large gatherings. So both schools have resorted to Plan B.
A week of ceremonies is still planned, all online.
“We may be going about it differently, but at the end of the day it’s about providing that meaningful and memorable celebration and ceremony for our graduating students,” said college spokesman Michael Wales.
The college convocation kicks off June 15 with daily online ceremonies, put together through broadcasting program students in their studio.
“It will be a mix of live and prerecorded elements, and there will also be a social media experience that’s integrated into it that provides an opportunity for engagement and some interaction,” Wales said.
About 5,300 students will graduate from Niagara College that week.
“Students will hear their names read in the moment, student awards will be announced in the moment,” he said. “Students will see their names across the screen as they are called.
“Certainly the ceremonial aspect, we’re trying to make as authentic as we can.”
Diplomas and degrees will be sent out to this year’s graduates by mail.
“We certainly have plans for an in-person celebration,” said Wales. “When that will be, and how it will look, will really be guided by physical distancing requirements.”
A Brock University spokesman said the school is also planning a virtual convocation for sometime in June, but dates have not yet been confirmed.
In an open letter to students this week, Brock president Gervan Fearon acknowledged the “difficult times” brought on by COVID-19 restrictions.
He said, “… Brock has committed to hosting the class of 2020 at an in-person ceremony further in the future, when conditions permit larger gatherings.”
“However, in the near term our online convocation in June will be a celebration that honours the achievements of our students and the contributions made by faculty and staff during the academic year.”
During spring 2019 convocation week, more than 3,500 students graduated from Brock.