UPDATE: Letters to the editor
Augusta University digital countdown to the Fall of 2020 in-person commencement held on Dec. 11.
The following letter was written in an email from Kitteren A. Jester, senior psychology major, to Dr. Zach Kelehear, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, regarding the in-person commencement ceremony on Dec. 11:
“With COVID-19 cases emerging post-Thanksgiving, fears of greater surges, and numbers for the area projected to reach a high point in the next few days, and any indoor in-person event would sit right between this imminent spike and the winter holidays. Everyone wants an in-person commencement ceremony to happen this semester, especially us graduating seniors, but I am not alone in recognizing there are serious safety concerns among those with family and guests entering a confined space, even with staggered times and masking/distancing.
“Others have communicated similar concerns but are unsure to whom they may be expressed. With many hospitals in Georgia and across the country seeing a rise in case numbers, we believe it would be an unwise and potentially reckless decision to proceed as currently scheduled, being that we are so close to the holidays and right on the cusp of a vaccine. We also recognize Augusta University, which also includes the Medical College of Georgia, neither wishes to spoil the anticipation and extremely high hopes we’ve all had for an in-person gathering nor be viewed by many as responsible for contributing to a surge in cases by hosting such an event. The latter, however, could ultimately be more damaging to the image of our great university and the community.
“Though time is so close, an outdoor location such as an athletic field or fairground would be a safer approach, but a virtual ceremony would be the safest option. Waiting one more semester for an in-person spring celebration for classes of 2020 and 2021 could be ideal. By then, it is likely that more people will be vaccinated, significantly lowering the risk of transmission and illness among participants. In substituting a virtual commencement this semester improved from last spring, we could invest efforts into planning an all-out triumphant celebration that would truly celebrate the accomplishments and resilience of AU students, faculty/staff, family, and friends of the university together. This may be a greater goal in the interest of everyone to be and feel more connected, and it could even include fireworks or other displays common to mark victorious moments.
“All I can express is this perspective. While I recognize plans are unlikely to change at this point, if I may speak beyond myself for others whose hearts and minds are torn by the situation, thank you for listening to our voice on this matter,” writes Jester.
Kelehear responded through email with the following message.
“I write to express my appreciation for your thoughtful and well-crafted note. Although I know you might only speak for yourself.. and maybe two or three others in your email…. Please know that your voice alone matters as much as any voice and for your efforts, I am grateful. We are emboldened to do mighty work at Augusta University and we are always careful with each step because of students like you. So you know, and please share as widely as you think helpful, we continue to review data so that our choice for commencement is well informed by both our local experts and the best data.
“President Keel remains committed to our students and our patients and come this Friday, we will again review all data before us and at that time we hope to determine a best path forward regarding commencement, of course with a keen eye toward what is best for our students. And remember, your input is also an important data point.
“Thank you for writing and for caring enough to take time to do so. Stay tuned for updates this Friday,” writes Kelehear.
UPDATE: Jester has recently shared another email thanking Dr. Kelehear for his response.
“Thank you for your response, of which I am appreciative as well. I wish the times were different. My original message was not written to display any elements of a personal situation, because my concerns over this event are not unique. I hope this is not how it came across. That stated, I and the over fourteen others who have personally expressed to me their safety concerns are relieved to hear all the data will be thoroughly assessed again tomorrow.
It is a difficult line to balance with so many perspectives at play in this process. Whatever is the ultimate decision moving forward, we can trust it will be as informed as it can be across all parties involved, from the levels of higher state officials and the university system to the many great individuals who embody Augusta University and the surrounding community. We also trust that our pillar values of collegiality, compassion, and integrity will be factored into the review.
Commencement of the graduating class is such a milestone event, and we have all worked so hard for this shining moment of success. We certainly deserve to acknowledge the honor with deep gratitude for the experiences and amazing people at AU who have made this possible. Though presently it is unlikely that I, as an individual, will elect to physically attend the ceremony this time as planned, I will look forward to additional opportunities to be present in the future as a member of the alumni.
While our nation has yet to secure a foothold on the pandemic, there is hope for the turn of 2021, and our slow return to a day of normalcy will leave us stronger when we get there. Our university family should mark that day of tremendous fortitude and resilience when true celebrations are possible once more.
Again, thank you so much for this opportunity to share,” Jester writes.
Disclaimer: Letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of the Bell Ringer.
