Three Iowa Universities Predict In-Person Graduation

It's been almost a year since the entire world was upended by this pandemic. For many people, this meant that many of life's biggest milestones were postponed or even canceled. Everyone knows someone who had to move an important event around in their schedule due to COVID. One large group who experienced and will probably continue to see this first hand is high school and college graduates.

However, some university students just might get to graduate in-person after all.

Three of Iowa's state universities might be having in-person graduation ceremonies. Both Iowa State and University of Northern Iowa officials say that there are plans in the work for in-person ceremonies.

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In a statement on the university's website, Iowa State officials posted about the plans for graduation. The commencement will move forward with modifications including such as a shorter degree conferment ceremony for Bachelor graduation. The statement from the university states:

"These decisions have been informed by our monitoring of COVID-19 on campus and in the community, as well as our experience with safely allowing limited attendance at athletic events where guests wear face coverings and practice physical distancing. While it is our intent to offer modified in-person commencement activities, we will change course if necessary and as conditions warrant to maintain the safety of our graduates and guests."

UNI just like Iowa State grads will be required to wear face coverings and socially distance. University of Iowa officials, however, are currently still mining through the details for their own ceremonies.