In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Virginia Tech has decided to cancel this year’s on-campus Commencement events and instead have a virtual ceremony on May 15th. While we understand the health risk and the unknown that the virus presents, we are absolutely dismayed to learn that VT is not attempting to reschedule our Commencement celebration to a later date. Graduating students will not have the opportunity to walk across the stage and be handed the diploma that they have earned. Instead, only an online ceremony and an opportunity to attend a football game in the fall and run out of the Lane Stadium tunnel. Running out of the tunnel is not comparable to walking across the stage to obtain our degrees. In addition, many graduates will be starting jobs or graduate school, thus, making it very unlikely that many will be able to attend. Other universities have postponed to a later date.

Graduating from Virginia Tech is a once in a lifetime experience that commemorates not only the hard work of students, but also the sacrifices of their families and relatives to afford them the opportunity of an education. Please sign this petition so that the University will consider rescheduling one of VT's most treasured traditions to a future date that will accommodate the majority of the Class of 2020.

Addition as of March 21: Thanks to everyone for their support thus far! This is very meaningful not only to the seniors and our families, but if VT could possibly hold graduation in the summer months (i.e. July) when the town is traditionally empty, this would also benefit the Town of Blacksburg who has greatly supported us over the last four years. In addition, hotels would be available for families whereas there will be virtually no hospitality space under VT’s current plan of celebrating as part of a home football game.  

This alternative plan is all predicated on the fact that it is safe at that time, and all we are asking is to re-evaluate at a later date versus outright cancel.  

Thanks again to the Hokie Nation for their unwavering support!