May 2021 Commencement has been decided by the University of Tampa to operate virtually. There are a variety of different ways to hold an in-person commencement safely. 

While safety and health is important, it is the decision of the individual to walk across a stage and receive their diploma. The university requires us to be in-person when scheduled for courses and cannot operate virtually, unless we receive accommodations, yet we can't have an in-person graduation. With so many in projects in place to improve the university's amenities and appearance, why can't they host a graduation for their seniors? 

Tampa continues to grow and hold many events that allow for safe operation such as the Super Bowl LV, hosting 25,000 people, and Experience events that were related, as ONE example. Many precautions were taken to ensure safety, why can't the same be done for a socially distanced and outdoor graduation? 

We want the opportunity to walk across a stage and receive our diploma. Let the Class of 2021 walk. We lost our entire senior year of amazing moments we looked forward to, let us at least walk across the stage.