Fear of the swine flu has hit home hard as President Ronald Vaughn will not be offering handshakes to all of the spring graduates according to a recent global message.
‘Due to heightened sensitivities within the University community, the risk of viral transmission through hand-to-hand contact and our desire to continue to preserve individuals’ health and well being, the University will forego traditional handshakes at all Commencement-related ceremonies,’ the e-mail said.
Some administrators are disappointed that they will not be able to give the handshakes.
‘We felt that this was the appropriate step to take,’ said Eric Cardenas, Director of Public Information.
UT’s Emergency Operations Team is keeping a close eye on the swine flu. All commencement activities will continue as scheduled.
Cardenas also said that hand sanitizers will also be available at the activities.
Late last week, officials at the University of South Florida also made the announcement that no handshakes would be offered.
Multiple universities around the country are taking the same precautionary measures.
The processional will begin at 9:30 a.m. and commencement will begin at 10 a.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, May 9.
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