Brock confirms plans to celebrate convocation online

Niagara College also has similar program, with large gatherings cancelled due to coronavirus

Brock University is firming up its plans to host an online spring convocation ceremony.

With large gatherings banned due to COVID-19, the school will launch its virtual convocation June 19. Last year, more than 3,500 students graduated during a week of ceremonies.

This year for Brock’s annual spring ceremony, “rather than just a one-day celebration, virtual convocation will be a webbased portal where each of the university’s more than 3,000 graduands will get a tailored experience based on their faculty and whether they’re an undergraduate or graduate student,” said a university news release.

The online celebration will include messages from president Gervan Fearon, chancellor

Shirley Cheechoo and other guests, plus videos submitted by graduating students.

“We may not be able to come together in person, but we are still excited to celebrate and recognize their achievements,” said registrar and associate vice-president Geraldine Jones.

“We want to make this something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

After going live, the virtual convocation portal will remain open for grads and students to watch any time.

Brock will also offer what it called a “social media celebration tool kit” from which students can download graphics such as social media cover photos and animated confetti. Brock gives a small bag of confetti to all its incoming students, and the school said many wait until convocation day to open it.

Later, grads will be mailed a package including their degree parchment, a convocation program, alumni pin and other information.

“When it is safe and appropriate to do so, we will be inviting these graduating students back to the university campus for the opportunity to celebrate inperson their accomplishments” with staff and family, Fearon said.

Last week, Niagara College announced it will host a week of virtual convocation ceremonies, starting June 15. It will be a mix of live and prerecorded elements, staged through its broadcasting department.

About 5,300 students will graduate that week.