After UCF announced its plans for a virtual fall graduation ceremony, the campus community took to social media to show disapproval with the decision to host football games but not celebrate graduates traditionally.
“While UCF will be unable to host a traditional face-to-face ceremony for our fall graduates in December, we are committed to ensuring that our students’ accomplishments are celebrated,” UCF said in a Wednesday statement.
The Florida Board of Governors — the governing body for Florida’s state universities — directed all state universities to plan alternate commencement ceremonies for fall due to health guidelines that still limit gatherings, according to a Wednesday news release.
“While we understand the disappointment this may cause, universities were creative in their spring and summer commencement festivities, and each of them found ways to celebrate their graduates and their achievements,” the BOG release states.
Individuals took to social media to express concerns over the Board of Governors’ decision.
UCF Athletics announced on Aug. 31 the Bounce House will allow about 11,000 spectators at UCF football’s home opener on Oct. 3 against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Knight News is working to learn more about how the university can host a sporting event with 11,000 spectators but not a graduation ceremony.
“We understand that commencement ceremonies are a major milestone in the lives of our graduates and the loved ones who have supported them on their education journey,” UCF said in the statement. “UCF is exploring additional ways to improve our virtual ceremonies to include memorable experiences for graduates.”
UCF has not yet celebrated the virtual graduations from spring or summer in a traditional manner.
The spring commencement was held virtually on May 2, while the summer ceremony was held virtually on Aug. 1.
UCF said cap and gown rentals continue to be available for students who would like to take photos in their gowns, or cap and gown orders can be canceled.
This is a developing story. Check back with Knight News for updates.
