While hundreds of Purdue University online graduates collect their diplomas in person this week, a handful of students are remotely participating in the commencement ceremony.
“We are proud to be the first university to offer students who otherwise would not be able to attend the opportunity to share the excitement of graduation in a virtual setting,” Patti Pelletier, director of the learning and leadership community for Purdue Global, said in a statement.
More than 75 Purdue University Global grads received a branded VR headset, commencement program, tassel, and, if applicable, honor cord—to wear in the comfort of their own home.
Meanwhile, a camera operator in Los Angeles will provide panoramic views streamed live on Thursday via YouTube 360.
Participants will see and hear everything “as if they were sitting in the Skirball Cultural Center” in LA, Pelletier explained.
“When the ceremony begins, they will feel like they are in the procession line marching with the on-site graduates,” she said. “They will sit with their fellow graduates and watch everything that is happening around them during the ceremony.
“The virtual graduates,” Pelletier continued, “will walk onto the stage, hear their name announced, and see their picture displayed before returning to their seat.”
Purdue Global officials have worked for almost two years to realize their vision of a VR commencement ceremony; information technology students from the main university helped research virtual options.
“It will give me a sense of accomplishment,” according to Mike Schlang, who is set to participate in Thursday’s graduation from his home in Massachusetts—nearly 3,000 miles away from the ceremony.
Graduates’ family and friends, meanwhile, can tune in via a traditional feed on Facebook Live.
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