Ohio University again planning for a virtual spring graduation
The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered another blow to Ohio University students, as university officials this week announced plans for a virtual commencement this spring because of public health concerns.
The Athens university announced its intentions for its spring graduation ceremonies Tuesday, likely disappointing graduating seniors for a second year in a row as COVID-19 continues to make large gatherings a risk.
“We understand that this news is disappointing for our spring graduates and their families,” Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis said in a press release. “Commencement is the most important day in the life of a college student. It is a culmination of their hard work and dedication to reach an important milestone, an effort that has only been made more challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
OU is the first Ohio public universities to announce its intentions for spring commencement ceremonies. Most others around the state say no decision has been made about the format of their spring commencements, or don’t offer any information at all.
Some, like the University of Akron, had hoped this spring might finally offer an opportunity to celebrate all recent graduates who couldn’t be honored in person over the past year.
When OU, along with colleges and universities across the country, canceled in-person ceremonies last year, university leaders said at the time they planned to honor graduates’ requests to eventually have an in-person event, when it was deemed safe to gather in large groups.
OU leaders did not mention such a promise nor future plans for an in-person ceremony in their announcement this week.
OU will “be prepared to reconsider in-person commencement celebrations if there is a substantial change in the state’s public health situation in the coming weeks,” the university’s news release said.
For now, though, OU’S commencement planning team is “working diligently to create a virtual experience that honors each of our graduates and captures the spirit and energy of our traditional ceremonies,” the university said.
University officials will be contacting spring graduates in the coming weeks with more information.
“We understand, value, and appreciate the importance of commencement and the role it plays in recognizing and celebrating significant achievements,” Nellis said. “While we will plan for our May commencement ceremony to be virtual, we are committed to ensuring our graduates feel our support and that their accomplishments are celebrated regardless of the format of the events.” jsmola@dispatch.com @jennsmola