“Members of the Class of 2021, we love Commencement at St. Lawrence. It’s a cherished tradition marking the culmination of your undergraduate education at this enchanted place, your campus home. It is the moment that draws the Laurentian seal on your hearts as a class.”

This is the start of the email Vice President for University Communications, Paul Redfern, sent on behave of President Bill Fox to the Class of 2021 announcing that their traditional commencement ceremony was canceled. 

The original commencement ceremony was supposed to be set for April 25, according to the academic calendar made last July. Due to the current public health conditions and regulations set upon by New York State, outdoor gatherings can not exceed 50 people. Because of these by-laws, St. Lawrence University has decided to cancel both the traditional Senior Week and commencement. 

Naturally, students are upset by the University’s decision. “As a first-generation student, having worked 13 plus years to get to college and the promise of graduation being taken away from you was a punch to the gut,” exclaimed Evelin Gilbert ‘21. In the email sent out, the University made it extremely clear that no parents or guests were going to be allowed on campus. “My Abuela is coming next week, now I got to tell her she can’t come!”

The University has offered multiple alternative hybrid celebration options with varying degrees of in-person participation for graduating students as a way to celebrate. They will be broadcasting the virtual Commencement ceremony on Sunday April 11. If state regulations allow for large gatherings, the class may gather outdoor on-campus location, socially distanced and wearing masks, to watch the broadcast as a class. 

Many students also voiced that they have concerns about the commencement ceremony being held before finals week. “I understand that it’s COVID, put the university putting out a final decision without even asking for any input was extremely inconsiderate, and shows their lack of care. Also putting graduation the day before finals are really going to affect our mental health. Do I choose between studying to pass my classes that I lost sleep over, or do I take time to go to this makeshift graduation with 10 other students?” continued Gilbert. Senior diplomas are said to be mailed directly to their homes. The University’s alternate plan if state regulations continue to limit large gatherings is to invite numerous groups of ten seniors together in order to be together on April 11 in assigned indoor spaces across campus and watch the broadcast.

Since the announcement, students have started to protest the decision. The Class of 2021 council and other advocates will be meeting with Thelmo to discuss the situation on Wednesday March 3. 

“Both my parents, not only did not get to go to college, they were not able to finish high school. After working so hard to come to this country and make a better life for their family, and not being able to see that accomplishment shatters the immigrant dream.”