For the second year in a row, CWU’s commencement ceremony will be held completely virtually due to health and safety risks associated with the ongoing pandemic.

During this year’s commencement, there will be separate virtual ceremonies for each of the five colleges and the virtual events will go live on Saturday, June 12 at 9 a.m. Graduates do not need to register for the ceremony, as all eligible students will be automatically included.

ASCWU President Mickael Candelaria said while he wasn’t involved in the decision, he understands why some students are disappointed.

“I 110% think it’s going to be completely different, and I know that the meaning and the symbolic aspect of commencement won’t be there, with that walk across the stage and the large crowd with everyone cheering you on,” Candelaria said. “But I also know that the main important piece is that seniors are still getting that degree at the end of the day.”

To be eligible, students must have graduated in the summer or fall of 2020 or the winter, spring or summer of 2021. Those who are completing a full-time internship or student teaching assignment are also eligible for the ceremony.

Candelaria said one aspect where the virtual ceremony will be improved from last year is personalization.

“I know last year there was I think a 17-minute video that addressed all graduating seniors, but there wasn’t any unique specification,” Candelaria said.

Each graduate will have a slide during the ceremony where students can upload a photo, a short video clip and a congratulatory message. Information on how to submit these items will be released later in the spring.

A diploma cover and two copies of the 2021 Commencement book will be sent to each graduate’s address in mycwu, and diplomas will be mailed approximately eight to 10 weeks after the ceremony.

The graduation fee will not be waived, as it covers the processing, printing and mailing of diplomas. Students graduating with honors will be contacted by the registrar’s office later this spring to receive their honors tassel. Regalia purchases are still available through the Wildcat Shop.