I want to start off by saying that it is still truly a shame to find out that FIT graduation is going to be remote, and there have been no updates even though laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 and venues are changing drastically every week now. I, (like many other FIT students, I'm sure) am deeply upset and disappointed by this premature decision of making the Class of 2021's commencement ceremony virtual. What concerns me is the fact that every option has not been exhausted on FIT's behalf in trying to make our ceremony a reality.

Logistically speaking, with all of the updates happening in NYS and NYC like Stadiums and Arenas being open at 10% capacity and now smaller venues are permitted to reopen at 33% capacity by April 2nd, commencement undoubtedly could be executed safely. In fact, as I'm sure you're aware, plenty of sports have been holding games safely at this capacity in NYC.

I understand just how frustrating, upsetting, troubling, and overall devastating this pandemic has been. It has plagued every aspect of our lives. It has now taken 3 semesters from us seniors, and I do not think it is right that we will not be able to have an in-person commencement to really celebrate all that we have been through, especially when vaccine roll-out is major and all of the venues, arenas and, stadiums are open now, even if they are at a smaller capacity. FIT is an overall very small school, and if graduation was only to be held for Bachelor Degree students and limit the amount of guests you can have, there should be NO issue. 

This is a conversation around a, socially distanced ceremony for the Class of 2021 abiding by the limited capacity at the various stadiums, arena's and or venues in NYC. There could be different days for certain programs, and instead, graduates could have two guests instead of the usual four.

Not to mention there are various universities and state schools that are making graduation happen for their students. Like FDU, NYU, etc.

Overall, I am starting this petition to encourage FIT & Joyce Brown to rethink the virtual ceremony. This proposal is doable and certainly valid. For once do something FOR the students.