(University of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Graduating U of L students to receive “convocation in a box”

Apr 15, 2020 | 3:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge has found a way to celebrate graduating students without holding an in-person ceremony.

The school announced last month that they would not be able to hold the event due to COVID-19 concerns.

“Convocation ceremonies are my favourite event at the University and it saddens me that we had to cancel the in-person event due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chancellor Charles Weaselhead. “Even though this forced us to change our plans, it’s important we still honour our graduating students and acknowledge this significant step in their lives and their academic achievements.”

An alternate plan has been put into place in consultation with graduating students.

They will receive a package from the university in June, something the U of L is calling a “convocation in a box”.

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It will contain a cap and tassel, their parchment, a commemorative program, an alumni pin, an Indigenous stole if requested, and honour cords for those who are graduating with distinction or great distinction.

Students are encouraged to don their caps and take a photo of themselves and post it online using the hashtag #uleth2020.

The university is preparing a convocation video.

“This graduating class has demonstrated such great resilience and the ability to pivot at a moment in time when the world changed quite suddenly,” says Kathleen Massey, associate vice-president (students). “When asked, our graduating class said overwhelmingly that what matters most as they mark their graduation from the U of L is for their friends and families to be part of that celebration.”

Any students who are graduating this year are invited to attend any convocation ceremony over the next three years.