Tasneem Shaik said her mother and father are coming from India for her graduation from the University of Illinois Springfield in May.
That experience will look a little different than past UIS graduations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students like Shaik, who is getting her master's degree in computer science, are being given the option of having an in-person “stage experience” days before a May 15 virtual commencement celebration.
Students were informed of the plan last week.
UIS degree candidates who book the “stage experience” will be able to walk across the Sangamon Auditorium stage to be congratulated by UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney and UIS Provost Dennis Papini, who will be wearing full academic regalia.