Georgia State University announces plans for a virtual commencement ceremony to honor spring graduates on May 6 at noon.
“Things are different this spring, and we’re disappointed we can’t honor you in person just yet,” the commencement website says.
The ceremony will features speeches from Mark Becker, the president of Georgia State University, and Jazmin Mejia, the president of the Student Government Association.
Diplomas will be sent to graduates four to six weeks following the end of the semester, the university says.
The virtual graduation is a temporary accommodation because of the coronavirus pandemic. Georgia State says it still intends to honor graduates in-person when “we get the green light to gather again.”
An online program highlighting the names and academic achievements of this semester’s graduates has also been published.
In a virtual town hall on April 17, Georgia State University President Mark Becker says it is too soon to announce dates for a rescheduled commencement ceremony. But, President Becker did commit to celebrating student successes in-person in the future.
“We can’t commit to whether that’s going to be in August, whether it’s in September, whether it’s in December. It’s just impossible to know at this point, but we will have a commencement.” President Becker says.
Georgia State canceled its ceremony on March 18 after receiving guidance from the University System of Georgia to suspend large events to support social distancing.
“Until we meet again for your special day, here’s to you, Class of 2020,” the website says.
Note: This article was written for PRN, the student-led news station at Georgia State University.
