On Friday, the University of Prince Edward Island posted online its list of graduates and award winners. It wasn't the ceremonial end anyone predicted when they began their post-secondary education journeys.
Instead of walking proudly across the stage in front of smiling and cheering loved ones, graduates have instead been emailed a special congratulatory video message from their respective deans. UPEI will courier degree, diplomas and alumni pins later.
The Class of 2020 has been robbed of one of life's most important celebratory milestones.
Faced with the continued uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, it's what had to be done. One can only imagine the disappointment.
Sadly, a similar situation will be played out for Island high school students next month.
Next on the horizon, Atlantic Canada's university and high schools will grapple with what to do when classes resume in the fall.
In a statement earlier this week, Allister Surette, chairman of the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU), said the health and safety of students, faculty and staff in September will remain a priority. The group, which represents the 16 universities in Atlantic Canada, said it is cautiously optimistic operations will resume in the fall but only with the approval of public health officials.
For P.E.I.'s Class of 2020, the topsy-turvy world of graduation in a pandemic began on March 16, when the University of Prince Edward Island suspended in-person classes and labs and noted they would not resume for the winter 2020 semester. Holland College followed suit and high school students met the same fate a few weeks later.
Looking again to the fall semester, Surette said certain aspects of traditional campus activities will likely be different, and noted academic programs, or aspects of them, will likely be delivered online.
Despite that, he urged students to keep going.
"Do not let the current level of uncertainty dissuade you from pursuing a post-secondary education credential," he said.
Surette is trying to be upbeat, and who can blame him, but anxiety among parents and the students must be rising. There are many pressures and questions weighing on them.
What will the educational and developmental damage be from months out of the classroom for returning students?
For college and university graduates, what will their job prospects be? And how long will it take the economy to recover to the point where businesses not only are able to hire back laid-off staff, but when will they be looking for the bright, fresh faces of recent graduates?
For high school students, the stresses and disappointments will be similar. They will be the first in many generations that will not experience a traditional prom and graduation, not to mention that rush of excitement that comes in the last weeks of finishing one's public education.
The toll COVID-19 is having on our economy is evident, the toll on our students is less noticeable but no less significant.
Let's hope that education and university leaders are working on plans to make any future adjustments tolerable for the next generation of graduates. The recent disappointments and meagre immediate prospects will have lasting scars that will not be so visible.
A little certainty would go a long way to helping alleviate some of that stress.
