FOR THE first time in three years, the University will hold face-to-face (F2F) graduation rites, including two Baccalaureate Masses for batches 2020, 2021, and 2022 at the UST Grandstand and Open Field.
The Mass for batch 2022, the incoming graduating batch, will be presided by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. on June 3, at 4 p.m., while the Mass for batches 2020 and 2021 will be led by UST Vice Chancellor Fr. Filemon de la Cruz, O.P. on June 4, at 4 p.m.
All attendees must be at least fully vaccinated (two shots of two-dose vaccines or one Janssen/Sputnik Light shot).
For the pre-Mass program, students are advised to assemble inside their respective buildings by 3 p.m. and proceed to the processional walk to the UST Grandstand by 4:30 p.m.
The processional walk will be followed by the introduction of academic units, the entrance of the Philippine flag, UST flag, and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
The Mass proper will begin at 6 p.m.
Post-mass programs, including the recognition of academic units, a video presentation, a graduation message, the blessing and imposition of the Thomasian mission cross, the declaration of the Thomasian pledge of loyalty, the ceremony of light, the singing of the UST hymn, and the recessional parade or the traditional passage through the Arch of the Centuries, will begin at 7:15 p.m.
The ceremony of light will replace the traditional fireworks display.
“In solidarity with our sisters and brothers who have been greatly affected by the pandemic, our celebrations will be solemnly and meaningfully staged without the traditional fireworks,” UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. said.
Participating students are required to wear “clean and proper official Type A uniform[s].”
Due to limited parking space on the campus, the University also requires students to be “dropped off and fetched.”
UST safety and security personnel will screen the participants by requiring them to wear face masks, present their vaccination cards and health declaration via the StaySafe.PH app or ThoMedSS, and undergo thermal screening and inspection.
Students are encouraged to bring umbrellas, light snacks and drinking water in their personal tumblers (disposable bottles are discouraged).
Each academic unit is encouraged to come up with “gimmicks” during the processional and recessional parade by using masks, hand-held props and other similar materials “to add color and happy mood” to the ceremony.
Representatives from academic units must claim the Thomasian Mission Crosses for the Imposition Ceremony, the candle and holders for the Ceremony of the Light, and the Thomasian Pledge bookmarks from the Office of the Secretary General on Thursday, June 2. It is up to each academic unit to determine the distribution system of the materials.
The following are not allowed during the processional and recessional parade:
- fireworks/firecrackers
- sky lanterns
- candle balloons
- helium balloons
- floating balloons
- confetti
- foam sprays
- paint sprays
- colored powder
- party poppers (blizzards)
- glitters
- animals
- camera drones (except the official photography drones)
- ac-powered gadgets/props
Solemn investiture rites for batches 2020 to 2022 will be held from June 6 to 30.
The University is preparing for the attendance of the 4,722 graduates of Batch 2020, 2,553 graduates of Batch 2021, and those from the pool of 10,480 students who can complete their requirements for graduation to join Batch 2022.
