ASU students get creative with virtual graduations

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Students aren't letting the pandemic get in the way of making their graduation ceremony one to remember.

This semester’s graduates from the Thunderbird School of Global Management have to wait for their traditional in-person graduation ceremony.

To make things different, the School is will use avatar robots — or mobile telepresence robots, if you're feeling fancy — to stand in student's place.

This way, students can virtually "walk" and get the experience of being awarded degrees in a public ceremony with thd Dean.

The remotely controlled robots use live video and audio for a real-time experience.

Thunderbird school says having a Virtual Commencement on May 11 allows it to celebrate students at the time they complete their studies with family and friends.

See how students are practicing here.  After the ceremony on May 11 at 9 a.m. the folder will contain new videos and photos of students "walking" via the robots. 

Thunderbird Commencement video will also be on Thunderbird’s YouTube channel.