Dear Dr. Guy Generals, Nursing Faculty, and CCP Administration:

With the school year and nursing program coming to an end for the Class of 2021, it has been determined that CCP Student Nurses, and all students, are not having an in-person pinning ceremony or graduation. This aspect of the graduation process is very important for students to be recognized as nursing school graduates due to how much we have accomplished in the past two years, especially during such unprecedented times. The college has decided to hold a virtual ceremony without considering any alternatives. As student nurses, we understand that these changes have been implemented as a result of COVID-19 as a safety measure. However, it is unfair to us that no other alternatives have been considered and that the students were not given a voice on the matter. 

CCP nursing students have spent almost 3 out of the 4 semesters of our program on zoom, so we have had to overcome so many obstacles. Our nursing class has proven our resilience, dedication, and ability to be flexible and adapt to change, so we deserve to be celebrated. Many of our students, faculty, and guests of the population are being vaccinated every single day. COVID-19 cases are decreasing and the vaccine has allowed a bit more freedom, especially with the continual use of masks and social distancing. Also, various restrictions have already been lifted in the city. Please note that other colleges and universities in our area, such as West Chester, Widener, Holy Family, BCCC, Gwynedd Mercy, LaSalle, and Penn State, are planning to move forward with an in-person graduation, whether it be outside, in an auditorium, or even at a stadium. So, that being said, CCP would like to have the same opportunity.

If a graduation or pinning ceremony were to be considered, there are various ways to practice social distancing and still continue to be safe. For example, the ceremony can be held in an auditorium or outside, require all guests to wear a mask, perform temperature checks, maintain a 6-foot distance at all times, and even live stream the ceremony for loved ones and students/faculty who wish to view from home. Keep in mind, the audience could be kept to 2-4 family members per student. If the amount of graduating nursing students is too large, we can amend this issue by pinning/commencing students with last names beginning with A-M from 8am-10am, and students with last names beginning with N-Z from 11am-1pm. Or, pinning/graduation could be split up amongst several days so there would be fewer crowds and less guests. These are just some examples of how this could be done.

The primary goal for this petition is to have our voices heard and accommodations made for us to have a proper ceremony, whether it be a graduation as a whole or a pinning ceremony for the nursing class. Other majors and classes can follow as needed. If we are able to attend clinical in person and were able to maintain social distancing and safety precautions then, we should have the option to do that for the pinning ceremony now as well. An in-person ceremony would be the perfect way to celebrate our success and send-off into our new careers as nurses, as well as giving us a sense of accomplishment. With the above suggestions in mind, we'd like the school to please reconsider their decisions and work with us. We want the opportunity to walk across a stage and receive our nursing pin/diploma outside of our living rooms. Let the CCP Class of 2021 walk. We lost over half of our time in the program that was meant to be full of amazing moments that we have all looked forward to for so long. As college graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need and deserve this.

Thank you for your time and consideration.