The pandemic has undoubtedly presented great challenges for the Stanford community, with Stanford understandably announcing on February 16th plans for a fully virtual graduation.

However, circumstances regarding the pandemic have changed, and consequently, Stanford should hold an optional in-person Commencement Ceremony for graduating seniors.

As of March 16th, the state of California has said that graduation ceremonies can be held with attendees wearing masks and following local safety guidelines. Santa Clara county currently allows for outdoor events at 33% capacity (orange tier). Given that Stanford Stadium has a capacity of 50,424, this is more than feasible.

If vaccinations continue at the current pace, it is predicted that approximately 67% of the country will be vaccinated by June 13th, with all who want a vaccine being able to acquire it.

In-person graduations are planned to take place across the country. Brown University will be holding their Commencement in person for graduating seniors. USC will be hosting an in-person ceremony that adheres to public health guidelines. The University of Oklahoma will be welcoming both 2020 and 2021 graduates with 6 separate ceremonies to limit population density. The University of Florida is planning an in-person graduation honoring almost 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in 14 different ceremonies. A solution is possible, the Stanford Administration merely needs to be willing to put forth the effort to make it happen for the graduating class.

Stanford has already shown that it can organize large outdoor events following public health guidelines, such as the Parade celebrating the women’s basketball team NCAA Championship on Monday, April 5th, where even University President Tessier-Lavigne and Provost Drell attended.

The ceremony can be optional and can be run such that COVID safety precautions are followed.

Let’s give the senior class the opportunity to celebrate alongside their classmates through the in-person ceremony that they deserve.