By Jessica King
Staff Writer
Graphic by Molly Swisher
As the fall semester comes to a close, Tyler Junior College 2020 graduates are gearing up for a COVID-19 style celebration.
According to registrar Britt Sabota, TJC has “put together a plan that balances health and safety with our excitement to honor the achievements of our phenomenal students.”
The graduation festivities will begin with the TJC Graduate Drive Through Victory Lap from noon to 1 p.m. on Dec. 11. Students will set up in the S-8 parking lot and drive down Lake Street to Baxter Street, then go south on Baxter Street to Fifth Street to celebrate their accomplishments “despite unprecedented adversity,” Sabota said. Faculty members are asked to set up along the route by 11:45 a.m. with their signs, which will be provided, and practice social distancing.
Following the Victory Lap, the TJC Micro-Ceremony Commencement will be held Dec. 14 through Dec. 16 in Wagstaff Gymnasium. Each micro-ceremony will allow for 20 graduates with two guests permitted per student, Sabota said.
Given the 75-person capacity, Sabota said, she regrets to say faculty and staff cannot be there to commemorate these students in the same manner as in previous years. For each ceremony, the Faculty Senate will select one delegate to signify the spirit and importance of the TJC faculty. According to Sabota, graduates will have the chance to walk in their graduation regalia across the stage at Wagstaff Gymnasium, receive their diploma in the presence of the president and provost, and have a commemorative photo taken with their guests.
The deadline for students to confirm their graduation application and not walk in the ceremony is 5 p.m. Dec. 9. Students also must confirm their graduation in order to receive their degree or certificate even if they do not plan to participate in any of the graduation festivities. For more information, visit tjc.edu/graduation.
Photo courtesy of TJC Marketing, Media and Communications
Dr. Juan Mejia, TJC president, presides over TJC’s summer 2020 graduation ceremony. Fall 2020 graduation will be conducted in a similar fashion.
