UMaine System campuses plan virtual graduation ceremonies this spring Some students are criticizing the plan to forgo in-person graduations this spring because of uncertainty about the pandemic and the safety of large gatherings. Share University of Maine System campuses are planning on holding virtual graduation ceremonies this spring as uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic continues and the safety of large gatherings remains in question. University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias President Joan Ferrini-Mundy announced the plans for those campuses to hold virtual ceremonies in a message to students Wednesday. “In September, we noted our intention to honor both our 2020 and 2021 graduates with in-person commencement ceremonies this spring if health and safety guidance allows,” Ferrini-Mundy wrote. “But since then, as the pandemic has unfolded and continues here in Maine and beyond, it has become clear that we will not be able to safely gather for these celebrations in the way we had hoped. And I share your disappointment.”