Students disappointed Conestoga College won’t hold in-person convocation ceremonies
Conestoga College students are voicing their disappointment over the fact the college is opting for virtual convocation ceremonies again this year, unlike many other local schools.
The ceremonies at Conestoga College will be pre-recorded events with more than 6,000 students graduating.
“Frustration for sure. Disappointment as well,” said Dawson Santagato, an energy systems engineering technology student at Conestoga College.
“[It] almost feels like since other schools are doing this I don’t know if this is a cost saving measure. [It] feels like our opinions or feelings are not being taken into account when making this decision.”
Santagato said he worked hard to get where he is now, graduating at the top of his class. But he wishes the school would change its mind on the virtual ceremony.
“We are all being forced to go virtual. Even the ones that are comfortable with going in-person. [It] sort of feels like they are taking that opportunity away from us,” he said.
Conestoga College said the decision was made due to COVID-19 to keep the college community safe.
The college did not comment specifically on student concerns, but pointed to an online statement on its website that read in part:
“In-person convocation ceremonies, which often include more than 1,000 participants and guests, pose significant risk for virus transmission and spread."
Students argued that since their last semester was in-person, an in-person convocation is possible.
“If they are comfortable with learning in-person, I don’t see what the major differences between learning in-person and going to convocation,” said Santagato.
Scott Park, an electrical engineering technology student at the college said he was really looking forward to making his family proud.
“I keep talking about my high school one. My mom was in tears when I was walking across the aisle because she was so proud of what I did,” Park said.
WHAT ARE OTHER SCHOOLS DOING?
The University of Guelph hosted what it called a “grad tour” last year.
But this year, the University will be going fully in-person.
The same goes for Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.
University of Waterloo staff said they expect about 15,000 students at convocation, as those from the classes of 2020 and 2021 are also allowed to join in.
“Convocation was a good reason why I wanted to keep our mask mandate in place on our campus,” said Nick Manning with the University of Waterloo.
Students at Conestoga College said they have been forced to plan smaller, private gatherings with their family and friends.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.