As other schools resume in person classes and events, Citrus students are disappointed at Citrus College’s decision to hold its 2021 commencement virtually.
A memo from Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri said that even though the California Department of Public Health is allowing outdoor events in a limited capacity, Citrus has scheduled a virtual event on June 12 on YouTube to recognize its graduates. The premiere time has not yet been announced.
Citrus student London Lara brought her concern to the CitrusMobile app on April 28 when she launched a petition for Citrus College to hold its 2021 commencement in person.
Because COVID-19 has taken away many normal activities, including a traditional graduation ceremony, Lara wants the class of 2021 to be honored on how they have adapted.
“Their hard work has proved that they are more adaptable and capable to take on the challenges the world will throw at them in these unpredictable times,” Lara said.
The petition has gained 250 signatures, but she hopes for 500 by the end of May.
Lara said in a CitrusMobile post that while other community colleges, Cal States and universities have expanded their ceremonies to socially distanced and safe gatherings, Citrus decided to have it’s virtually. This inspired her to start her petition in hopes that it will change minds and make the commencement team reconsider their way of honoring the graduates.
“The graduates of 2020 and 2021 are not getting the recognition they deserve,” Lara said in an email interview.
She said she is fine with holding a small ceremony virtually but as things open up, she hopes Citrus will put together an in-person commencement because “there is nothing comparable to this celebration” for graduates.
She suggests Citrus College Stadium be used as the location for a possible commencement ceremony to honor students’ hard work in the future that follows COVID-19 safety precautions and guidelines.
On the other hand, graduate Chelsea Rodriguez said in a CitrusMobile interview she would not attend an in-person ceremony due to the “unfortunate circumstances that we are living in.”
“I feel that the school is doing a wonderful job in providing a safe and efficient graduation service for all to enjoy,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like my accomplishments as a student at Citrus are being accommodated in a suitable way.”
With the low number of signatures and disagreement among students, it is unlikely for the commencement team to retract their decision.
“From what I have received they have no plans to hold an in-person commencement,” Lara said. “We, the graduates, have worked so hard in the years leading up to our graduation and it feels like we are being robbed of a celebration.”
Lara said she contacted the Citrus College Commencement Team and they apologized for the situation but said nothing further.
The memo also said that a physically distanced drive-up area will be designated to the 2021 graduating class so they can take graduation photos.
