UBC has announced the dates for its class of 2020 virtual graduation ceremonies.
The UBC Vancouver ceremony will take place on June 17, 2020 at 10 a.m., while the UBC Okanagan ceremony will take place later that day at 3 p.m. The announcement comes after the university cancelled spring in-person graduation ceremonies in light of COVID-19.
In an email to students, President Santa Ono confirmed plans to hold an in-person ceremony “when it is safe to do so.”
“Following my message in March informing you of our plans to hold a virtual spring graduation, we have been working hard to design a celebration that will do justice to your achievements at UBC,” he wrote.
“Your virtual ceremony will include many elements of a traditional ceremony, and some unique ones as well.”
Bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates can purchase “souvenir” gowns and hats to wear during the ceremony while doctoral graduates have the option to rent or purchase their regalia. Grads wishing to do so must purchase or rent by May 29.
After the virtual ceremonies, students will receive their degrees by mail “starting late-June,” according to the graduation website.
The email states that family and friends will be able to attend, but the university will release more details at a later date. Links to the ceremony will be released the week before June 17.
“While this graduation will offer a different experience to a traditional ceremony, I assure you it will be an occasion that you won’t forget,” said Ono. “Even virtually, it will be a time of joy, a time of celebration and a time to come together as a community.”