Lethbridge College is ready to celebrate its graduates – and will introduce several new elements this year as it does.
For the spring 2021 Convocation, Lethbridge College will move to multiple small, drive-thru ceremonies on May 27 and 28 on campus. These events will allow students to have their moment in the spotlight safely as they cross an outdoor stage, receive their credential, get a graduation photo and feel the pride and praise of their instructors and staff members who will be watching at a distance.
The event will be livestreamed for family and friends, and the celebration will be enhanced by a digital package of Convocation videos and well-wishes that students can access online and share at smaller gatherings within their own homes. The Spring Convocation will also recognize 2020 graduates who missed out on their ceremony in the early days of the pandemic.
“A drive-thru ceremony will allow us to safely recognize students who have persevered through exceptional circumstances to complete their programs,” says Marko Hilgersom, Lethbridge College Registrar. “Graduating from college is an exciting life event that deserves to be celebrated. We will ensure we provide our grads with a memorable experience that celebrates them, their accomplishments and all of the work they put in to get to this point.”
The college had planned to shift in 2020 from holding one annual April convocation ceremony immediately after exams to two true graduation ceremonies where students receive their official parchments once all final marks have been calculated – one in late May and one in October. The pandemic put this plan on hold until this year. Now, students who complete all course requirements by April 30 will be invited to receive their official parchments during the drive-thru ceremonies in May; students in programs that require practicums or placements that extend past the end of April will take part in the Fall Convocation.
“We take great pride in our students, their accomplishments and their stories,” says Dr. Samantha Lenci, Lethbridge College Provost and Vice President – Academic. “By moving to spring and fall ceremonies that recognize graduates, we are truly celebrating the completion of their journeys through their programs, and the work, perseverance and rigour it takes to accomplish that feat.”
Students eligible for Spring Convocation have until April 15 to register to take part in the ceremony. More details will be communicated to students taking part in Spring Convocation in the coming weeks.