Southwestern College canceled its spring commencement due to the recent coronavirus pandemic. The college is considering postponing to a later date or moving towards a virtual ceremony.
SWC officials sent graduating students a survey to gather their input and hope to announce the results by April 10.
The ceremony is typically held in May but decided to move all curriculum online and close for the remainder of the semester to promote social distancing.
College President Dr. Kindred Murillo said some were concerned about postponing commencement because students could move away to a university and be unable to attend. She said the survey is a way to find out what students want and the college standing committees will take results into consideration before their decision is made.
“We want to be responsive to our students,” she said.
Murillo said a virtual commencement ceremony may include the student’s name, major, and picture.
Criminal Justice major Ashlee Baker, 22, said participating in commencement is an important milestone and reward for her hard work. She said it was an opportunity for her and her family to celebrate her accomplishment and be proud that she’s transferring to Azusa Pacific University in the fall.
“I prefer commencement being postponed, even if I have to wait until December because I thrive off people interaction and you feed off the energy of those around you and you can sense the anticipation and excitement and it just electrifies the environment,” Baker said. “With it being virtual, there is less of a connection with people and it may not be taken as seriously or students may feel like it’s just another day rather than feeling excited about their achievements and the future.”
She said she is concerned a virtual ceremony may feel impersonal and students deserve a physical ceremony to recognize their accomplishments. She also said she hopes the college gives students enough time to come home and participate in the ceremony.
Crystal Bonilla is 25 years old and a child development major transferring to Point Loma Nazarene University. She said she is a first generation college student and it is important for her family to watch her graduate. She also said it was important for her to participate in commencement and close her chapter at SWC before moving onto the next.
“I’ve heard of it being pushed back all the way to December and if that’s the case I’m totally okay with that,” she said. “I personally prefer postponement, but I won’t be upset with the decision the SWC decides to do.”
Bonilla said she understands that many things are now done online and that commencement may just become one of them. She also said she would not mind if SWC divided the ceremony into smaller ceremonies.
Colleges and universities have taken various approaches. San Diego State University opted for a virtual ceremony May 16 and postponed its commencement until December. The University of San Diego hopes to hold its commencement during Homecoming and Family Weekend October 16-18. In addition, they hope to hold special ceremonies around the country for students who are unable to return to San Diego.
UC San Diego and San Diego City College still have their commencements scheduled, but that is subject to change. Point Loma Nazarene University postponed commencement to August 21-22 and National University postponed it until further notice.
Southwestern’s survey for graduating students will be available until April 5 at 9 p.m.
