SALISBURY, Md. - Salisbury University is making commencement plans even though COVID-19 still means some uncertainty on campus. The details and reaction to the school's announcement for a return to in-person learning.
The Spring 2021 graduating class from Salisbury University might have the opportunity to walk across the stage, as the school announced plans for a hybrid commencement during the school's weekly press briefing.
"Each academic unit, college, school, and the office of graduate studies will hold a virtual event to celebrate their graduates. These virtual events will include guest speakers and the individual reading of each graduate's name. In addition to the virtual events, the commencement team is planning a tentative in person grad walk at seagull stadium between May 13 to May 16 and this will be an option for graduates to walk across the stage in their gown and regalia and have photo opportunities," said Karen Olmstead, the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at SU.
Students say they're looking forward to it.
"We all love walking across that stage. That's what we're here for. It's for that moment," said Areyhon Collick, a senior at SU.
According to SU, the COVID-19 cases remain under one percent.
The university already announced that it's planning on going back in-person this fall.
A decision that some students are against.
"A professor from the university recently had a brother of his who was in perfect health, I think he was 49, he died last week of COVID-19," said Bees Beesley, a sophomore at SU.
While others say virtual learning just doesn't work for them.
"I have a field production class currently where we're doing all of our videos on our phones. So I feel like our generation is going to be a little behind," added Collick.
SU says hybrid learning will still be an option for students this Fall semester.
"80% of our sections will be face-to-face or hybrid. That's the plan and we're assuming though that conditions will be safe enough for us to be able to do that," added Provost Olmstead.
But another student tells WRDE that some classes are required to be in-person and there is no control over what happens outside of the classroom.
"If the university says we're going back people are going to be like ok we can go back to normal we can go to parties," said Kyla Scherlag, a sophomore at SU.
The school says masks, social distancing, and reduced class sizes are likely to remain during the Fall semester. Students agree that being on campus will be beneficial for their mental health.
Students, faculty, and staff will be notified in June for a final decision on Fall 2021 plans and in April for any commencement changes.