Do Online Students Walk at Graduation?

Many online students wonder if they can attend graduation, and “do online students walk at graduation?” usually pops up. The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is YES. Online students can attend and participate in the college’s in-person graduation event.

How Do Online Students Graduate?

When your academic advisor mentioned applying for graduation, were you unsure about how the process works for online students? Did the question, “do online students walk at graduation” pop into your mind? After conducting some research, I learned that various types of graduation ceremonies are available for online students. Most colleges invite online students to attend the commencement ceremony, which may be held in multiple locations.

Additionally, some schools offer pre-recorded or live-streamed ceremonies, webpages, or virtual graduations using video chat or avatar-based game worlds.

Although we commonly use the terms graduation and graduation ceremony (commencement) interchangeably, it’s essential to differentiate between the various types of graduation celebrations. Graduating is generally the same for online and in-person students, as it involves fulfilling all academic requirements, meeting financial obligations, and applying for graduation.

Thus, online students need not worry about how their school celebrates graduation or whether they can attend a ceremony, as these factors do not impact their ability to graduate.

• Online students can access various graduation ceremonies, including in-person, pre-recorded, live-streamed, web pages, or virtual graduations.
• Most colleges invite online students to attend the commencement ceremony, which may be held in multiple locations.
• Graduating for online and in-person students involves fulfilling all academic requirements, meeting financial obligations, applying for graduation, and attending an unnecessary ceremony to graduate.

1. Traditional graduation ceremonies

Online students are typically invited to attend in-person graduation ceremonies if their college offers them. They can participate in the traditional commencement ceremony, which takes place in May or December, and walk across the stage with their peers who attended in-person classes.

Many schools recognize the hard work of their online students and include them in the graduation celebration. Some universities that invite online students to their traditional commencement ceremonies include Southern New Hampshire University, Arizona State University, Illinois Central College, and Liberty University.

However, attending an in-person graduation ceremony can pose logistical challenges, especially if the campus is far away. Students may need to make transportation and lodging plans, which can be expensive. In cases where attending the ceremony is not feasible, students can check out tips to help them cope with missing graduation.

For those who do attend, it is recommended to plan ahead by getting directions and allowing extra time for travel.

• Online students are typically invited to attend in-person graduation ceremonies if their college offers them.
• Attending an in-person graduation ceremony can pose logistical challenges, especially if the campus is far away.
• It is recommended for those who attend an in-person ceremony to plan ahead by getting directions and allowing extra time for travel.

2. Multiple-location graduation ceremonies

To make it more convenient for online students, some universities have taken steps to host graduation ceremonies in multiple locations nationwide.

For instance, the University of Phoenix and Purdue University are among the institutions with multiple commencement ceremonies, enabling graduates to attend an in-person ceremony in a location closer to their residence. This approach ensures that graduates do not travel long distances or incur significant expenses to attend their graduation ceremony.

Another example of an innovative approach to graduation ceremonies is the SNHU bus diploma delivery tour. For a few years, Southern New Hampshire University took to the road and traveled around the country, delivering diplomas to graduates in front of their friends and family.

This unique and personalized approach allowed online students who could not attend the traditional commencement ceremony to celebrate their achievements with their loved ones.

• Some universities offer graduation ceremonies in multiple locations nationwide to make it more convenient for online students to attend.
• Examples of universities with this approach include the University of Phoenix and Purdue University.
• Southern New Hampshire University also had an innovative approach with the SNHU bus diploma delivery tour, which allowed online graduates to receive their diplomas in front of their loved ones.

3. Virtual graduation ceremonies for online students

You may wonder what a virtual graduation entails if you’re an online student. It’s a valid question, as it can be challenging to envision. Virtual graduation is simply an alternative to the traditional, in-person graduation ceremony that allows online students to participate and celebrate their achievements from anywhere.

Several types of virtual graduations are available for online students, and one of the most common options is a live-streamed ceremony. Online students can view the school’s in-person commencement ceremony through a live stream in this format. It’s a great way to participate in the event, even if you can’t be there in person.

• Virtual graduation is an alternative to online students’ traditional, in-person graduation ceremony.
• Live-streamed ceremonies are one of the most common types of virtual graduations, which allow online students to view the school’s in-person commencement ceremony through a live stream.
• This format is convenient for online students to participate in the event from anywhere, even if they can’t be there in person.

A. Video ceremonies

Another option for virtual graduation is a pre-recorded video ceremony. This ceremony may include pre-recorded speeches, music performances, and personalized slides for each graduate. Some schools even allow students to upload their own photos and messages to include in the video. This type of virtual graduation allows online students to experience a more personalized ceremony they can watch on their own time.

• Pre-recorded video ceremonies are another option for virtual graduations.
• Online students can experience a more personalized ceremony that they can watch on their own time.

B. Virtual reality ceremonies

Virtual reality (VR) technology is becoming more prevalent in many aspects of our lives, and graduations are no exception. Some universities offer virtual reality graduation ceremonies that allow online students to create their own avatars and experience a realistic graduation ceremony in a virtual world. This option appeals to those who want a more immersive graduation experience.

• Some universities offer virtual reality graduation ceremonies for online students.
• Students can create their own avatars and experience a realistic graduation ceremony in a virtual world.

C. Webpage ceremonies

Finally, some schools host virtual graduation ceremonies on their website. This format typically involves an online portal where students can access personalized slides, pre-recorded speeches, and other celebratory content.

It’s an excellent option for those who want to celebrate their achievements but may not have access to a high-speed internet connection or the necessary technology to participate in other virtual formats.

Many types of virtual graduations are available for online students, and each has its unique benefits. No matter your choice, a virtual graduation can be a great way to celebrate your academic achievements and mark the end of your academic journey.

• Virtual graduation is an alternative to the traditional, in-person graduation ceremony that allows online students to participate and celebrate their achievements from anywhere.
• Some schools host virtual graduation ceremonies on their website, which can include personalized slides, pre-recorded speeches, and other celebratory content.
• Virtual graduations offer unique benefits, and regardless of the format, they can be a great way to mark the end of your academic journey and celebrate your achievements.

Conclusion

For online students, completing their degree is a significant achievement that should be celebrated. While online learning offers a lot of convenience and flexibility, it can also feel isolating and lacking in traditional college experiences, such as in-person graduation ceremonies.

However, many online schools now offer the opportunity for their students to celebrate their achievements in person. Finally, meeting classmates and faculty members you have only communicated with virtually for so long can create a sense of community and connection unique to online learning.

Whether you attend an on-campus graduation ceremony or a national commencement, celebrating your graduation in person can be a great way to acknowledge your hard work and achievements. It can also serve as a reminder that, despite the challenges and isolation that online learning can present, you are part of a larger community of learners who have also succeeded in their academic pursuits.

Are you thinking of applying for online courses instead?  Find some of them here.

FAQs

How long does virtual graduation last?

The duration of a virtual graduation ceremony can vary between 30 minutes to around 4 hours, depending on the number of speakers and whether they call individual students’ names.

Regardless of the format, graduating from college is a significant achievement that should be celebrated. Whether you attend an in-person commencement, a virtual ceremony, or a graduation webpage, take the time to acknowledge your hard work and be proud of your accomplishments.