vFairs to Offer Virtual Graduation Ceremonies

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/31/21

vFairs, a hybrid and virtual event platform, will be offering its services to public schools, colleges, and universities as the second graduation season of the COVID-19 pandemic draws closer. According to a press release, the platform provides “immersive, customizable virtual graduation ceremonies” that includes features like 3D modeling and a digital rendering of the campus of choice to make a remote ceremony feel as real as possible.

The service can create a custom, 3D model of a graduation space, be it a high-school auditorium, a college campus stadium—or even the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Virtual avatars of students wear caps and gowns. Schools can schedule speaking opportunities for graduation speakers like notable alumni or celebrities. It also includes multiple outlets for student participation and engagement like a virtual yearbook, trivial challenges, scavenger hunts, social walls, and chat rooms.

“In response to the ongoing pandemic, many schools are planning early virtual graduations this year,” said vFairs CEO Muhammad Younas. “Even though they can’t attend a physical ceremony, there’s no reason students should feel left out of their graduation. Our virtual environments are designed to make you feel as though you are actually there and leave a lasting impression on graduates and their families.”

Administrators can still control who attends the event. Access can be limited to registered students and their family and friends, and use of an email whitelist can help make sure only invited guests attend. Access to the ceremony can also be open and unrestricted, if desired.

A poll conducted in March 2020 by Educause Review found that almost half of all responding colleges and universities (49%) were planning to postpone their 2020 graduation ceremonies. Fourteen percent planned a virtual ceremony, and another 14% simply cancelled the affair.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Splendora Independent School District (SISD) in Splendora, Texas, recently broke ground on a replacement facility for Greenleaf Elementary School, according to a news release. The district partnered with planning, engineering and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) for the project.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

  • Springfield Breaks Ground on $53.7M Pipkin Middle School Rebuild

    Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art Pipkin Middle School in Springfield, Mo., a major step in Springfield Public Schools’ (SPS) long-term facility improvement plan, according to local news. The $53.7-million project officially broke ground in early June, following years of planning and community input aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and addressing student capacity concerns.

  • California School District Starts Construction on Public Safety Center

    The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) recently announced that construction has begun on a new public safety center that will house the district’s safety and security programs. According to a news release, the James Ramos Center for Public Safety will measure in at 17,140 square feet and contain the district’s Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and cadet program.

Digital Edition