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It would have been the start of three days of convocation ceremonies for students at the University of Regina on Wednesday, but the annual celebrations have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Instead, the school is organizing a few different ways of showing its appreciation for the newest graduates.
The university is producing a commemorative program that will be mailed to graduates with their diplomas. As well, a video tribute — to be posted on the university’s website — should be completed later in the month.
The school will also be putting together a virtual yearbook that any graduate can add to and share their memories of their time at the U of R. Plus, school officials are creating what they call “electronic swag,” or virtual photo frames and backdrops designed with the school in mind.
Anyone interested in congratulating the Class of 2020 can post on social media at #UofReginaGrads2020.
It’s the first time in school history there won’t be in-person convocation ceremonies.
Dr. Thomas Chase, the university’s interim president and vice-chancellor, wants to reassure students that their accomplishments are still valued, even if they can’t have a traditional celebration.
“The absence of a ceremony in no way diminishes the achievements of our graduates. I congratulate all of them on reaching this milestone in their academic careers,” he said in a media release.
“While this may not be how any of us envisioned Spring Convocation in 2020, it is my sincere pleasure to welcome our new graduates to our family of more than 79,000 alumni worldwide,” he added.
Martina Leader is one of the students graduating from the Faculty of Education. She shares Chase’s disappointment at the cancelled convocation, but is glad to be able to mark the occasion in some way.
“Not being able to walk across that stage and accept my diploma is obviously disappointing and frustrating, but I will be celebrating on a smaller scale with my family, and I will certainly participate in the university’s online yearbook so I can share this day with my classmates,” she said in the release.
More details are to be released later this month.
