Photo Courtesy of UNBC
Virtual convocation amidst COVID-19

UNBC’s 2020 Convocation goes virtual

Apr 8, 2020 | 10:12 AM

PRINCE GEORGE—UNBC has decided that this year’s grads will have a bit of a futuristic take on their convocation with it going virtual.

The decision to have a virtual convocation comes due to social distancing measures and the inability to have gatherings of more than 50 people—orders in place by the Provincial Health Officer due to the COVID-19 crisis.

UNBC’s Class of 2020 will have their virtual convocation take place on June 26.

Ensuring the health and safety of our graduating class, their families and friends, our faculty and staff is our number one priority.”— UNBC interim President Dr. Geoffrey Payne

“It is also important that we celebrate and recognize the achievements of our graduates. This virtual ceremony allows us to do that without any health risk,” said Payne.

In a release from the University they say that participating in the virtual ceremony will allow students to stay engaged with their graduating class by personalizing graduation messages, in video or photo form.

All graduates will have their name and degree called even if they do not upload personal content.

“We understand this is a difficult and challenging time for all of our students, especially those in the Class of 2020 as they complete their final semester in alternate delivery modes,” said Payne. “We appreciate their understanding and patience to adapt in this rapidly evolving situation. All of us at UNBC congratulate them on their achievements.”

Graduates of UNBC’s Class of 2020 will still graduate and receive their parchment.