This past week, Western Kentucky University announced that they will be having two graduation ceremonies for Winter 20 and Spring 21 graduates, and an aditional ceremony for Spring 20 graduates. During these ceremonies, graduates will not be allowed to walk across the stage, but instead will be watching a slideshow of self-submitted photos. While we understand the importance of maintaining a COVID safe ceremony, graduates should still be able to walk across the stage, as this is an important and symbolic part of graduation. 

Here is the proposed solution for a COVID safe graduation ceremony that will truly honor the graduates:

1. Bring back individual ceremonies for each college- this will allow guests and graduates to spread out, maintaining distance among groups, and it will potentially allow graduates to bring more than 4 guests. 

2. Allow graduates to walk across the stage without shaking the hands of the president and provost- This will keep all parties involved safe while still traditionally honoring graduates. 

With masks, outdoor seating, smaller ceremonies, and no physical contact with the provost and president, graduates can still be honored while maintaining a COVID safe environment.