UCSC 2024 commencement following the protests

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV)-Graduation ceremonies are underway starting Friday through Monday. The commencements come after heated Pro-Palestinian protests. What does this mean for UCSC graduates?

UCSC held their first graduation ceremony that honored the first four graduating colleges: Crown, Merrill, College 9 and John R. Lewis.

“There are people who are suffering at this very moment while we get to celebrate," a graduate student said. "We students have been asking for the schools full attention well before it became time to graduate, but if we have it now, listen to our demands."

I reached out to the Assistant Vice Chancellor about citations that some students received during the protests, and what that means for graduates.

“Students were able to appeal the stay-away notices from May 31, and they expire today," Scott Hernandez-Jason Assistant Vice Chancellor said. "We are focused on providing the best experience for our students and their guests.

Families and friends gathered at the Upper East Field to celebrate and honor their graduates.

One international student, Todd from Vietnam, finally got the chance to see his family.

“I don’t get to see them often so it’s definitely very special," Todd To a recent graduate said. "I finally feel supported with their presence."

Seeing their loved ones walking across the stage and receiving their diploma was an “surreal” experience for some graduates.

“It was surreal, I graduated last year so the whole experience was a little different but I’m happy for her obviously and super proud, Miguel Sukke said.

I asked a few graduates about what's next on their journey.

“I think i’m going to pursue a masters degree, probably take a gap year, though, and just like to enter the work field," Michelle a graduate said.

The ceremonies will continue until monday to honor the other graduating colleges.