For the graduating Class of 2020, COVID-19 has changed the future of many students. Universities across the country are now planning graduations in the fall to reschedule the ceremonies that were cancelled in May. Pomona College, included in our conference, has worked with their seniors and administration to plan for a commencement in the fall. Multiple schools have mentioned postponing graduations ceremonies, but have not sent out dates.

California Lutheran University sent out an email on April 8, 2020 only including December 2020, and May 2021 graduation options. There was no communication with students prior to this email, giving the Class of 2020 no input. A December graduation would be limited due to the weather, diminishing the number of attendees for each student. A May of 2021 graduation is over a year later from the intended ceremony. This would make it difficult for students to travel back to campus, not to mention Seniors who will be attending Graduate School that have other ceremonies in the years time. With full-time jobs for many graduates in the future, it would also be complicated for students to receive time off.

Many of us would like to have the normal graduation we envisioned and don't want to have separated ceremonies. We want to be united together one last time, especially with everything we have been through as a class through these four years i.e., racial issues, Borderline shooting, fires, and COVID-19.  There has been so much taken away from us.

California Lutheran University sent out three options without asking for mass input. All we are asking for is a Fall Graduation, giving us options for ceremonies in August, September, and October in the stadium, side by side.  WE ARE THE CLASS OF 2020 AND WANT TO BE CELEBRATED IN 2020! Please comment below your opinions on why you think Graduation should be moved to the Fall. Thank you!