Union College Announces 2021 Graduation Plans: Graduating Classes Will Have Ceremonies

Graduation is happening and it will be in person! This year, graduates can invite friends and family. The weekend is coming up soon, and though details are still being confirmed, here is what we know right now. 

As of April 6, Lincoln is still in the yellow zone on the COVID-19 risk dial. Because of this, since March 12, Lancaster county restrictions have limited indoor and outdoor gatherings to 75% capacity. For College View Church, 75% capacity is 975 people. So, it is currently estimated that each Union College 2021 graduate will be permitted to invite six people. 

Union is still determining how admittance will be tracked, but there is a potential that tickets will be required for admittance. For those who cannot attend in person, graduation will be live streamed on the uTV page. If tickets are an issue, graduates will be able to pick them up when they collect their gowns and can then distribute them to family and friends as desired. If tickets are implemented, they will then be able to give tickets to friends if they are not using all of theirs.

The Class of 2020 will be having their in person graduation as promised, so this May is finally the time! On Sunday, May 9, last year’s graduates will have the opportunity to march for graduation and can invite their friends and family to celebrate with them. 

These past months have been difficult for everyone, but thankfully as vaccinations become available, cases have gone down from the peak earlier this year. Also, health checks are no longer required to enter buildings at Union College and as of April 8, no students are quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19. Thankfully, as the city of Lincoln slowly and safely restores normalcy, the Union community can experience this as well. This includes being able to celebrate graduation together, even though there are still some modifications.

Jade Covel is a senior

religion major from

Topeka, Kan.