Last Thursday, Oct. 8, the Marketing and Communication department sent out an email to the BU community announcing a virtual commencement for the second straight semester.

According to the email, the ceremony will be arranged on two separate occasions. The first, being held on Sunday, Nov. 22, will feature an on-campus event to allow students to walk across the stage then gather with their family who will have the opportunity to photos with them.

This will take place in Hass Auditorium, Mitrani Hall, and closely follow the event’s model in August. About three weeks later, on Saturday, Dec.12, the virtual ceremony will be held. Times slots for the ceremony have yet to be announced, but the email says they will be forthcoming soon.

The email wraps up saying,

“While we wish we could be together in honor of this momentous occasion, the virtual experience by no means diminishes the hard work and determination students gave put forward in completing their degree. We look forward to celebrating with you.”

A few fall 2020 grads responded to our Instagram story, asking about their feelings towards the situation. Shayla DiPasquale put bluntly, “I’m pissed.” She then expanded to say,

“They could easily split majors up to meet building occupancy to do it in person.”

For other students, their feelings weren’t isolated to just anger. Students like Wildre P. had the option of graduating in either the summer or fall, and he chose the fall semester in hopes the COVID-19 situation would be more under control.

Zach Smart came with a monotoned perspective, saying,

“It’s not ideal, but neither have the two semesters been either.”

Students will have to continue to show their grit and determination adapting to these challenging circumstances. The Voice will provide updates for this story as they become available.