May 6, 2009 6:24 pm US/Central
UIC Bans Handshakes At Graduation To Avoid H1N1
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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UIC has banned handshakes from all 14 graduation ceremonies to prevent transmission of the H1N1 flu virus.
CBS
There are now 225 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Illinois. That includes two new cases: an 18-year-old in Naperville and a 12-year-old in Plainfield both came down with the illness. The two are recovering at home.
Reports like that are still causing concerns about the virus. So
schools and universities across the country are taking precautions to protect their students at large gatherings, like graduations. Some have even gone as far as canceling or postponing ceremonies. That hasn't happened in our area yet, but CBS 2's Mai Martinez found one university that says there will be no handshaking at any of this month's graduations.
University officials at UIC say they came to the decision to skip the traditional handshaking at graduation ceremonies after consulting their medical center staff and infectious diseases specialists. They felt it was the best way to keep their students and faculty safe from the H1N1 virus.
Do You Think We Have Over-Reacted To The Flu Outbreak?
This week, close to 6,800 UIC students will receive their degrees. Thousands of them will get their diplomas on stage, but unlike years past, they won't get the traditional congratulatory handshake. In an e-mail sent out this week they were told it's because of "the ongoing concerns regarding the Influenza A-H1N1 outbreak."
"The shaking of hands is certainly one way that something can be spread," said Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs Mark Rosati.
Rosati says, in addition to skipping the handshakes, the university is taking other precautions at its 14 graduation ceremonies. Crews were scrubbing chairs Wednesday, and hand sanitizers will be available at all venues.
Students appreciate the efforts being made to keep them and those attending graduations safe, but some say eliminating the handshake is disappointing.
"Getting the diploma handed to them is one thing, but the handshake congratulates them for everything they've done, and they're just not going to get that," said UIC student Adnan Yarkhan.
"They've let the disease, this flu, take control too much," said UIC student Kayla Rivera.
School officials say forgoing the handshake is just a precaution and in no way diminishes the accomplishments of the students or the excitement of graduation.
"We just want to make sure this is a totally enjoyable and safe experience for not only our graduates, but their families and friends," Rosati said.
Vanessa Baggio and her friends, who are all graduating this week, say they're not going to let an absent handshake ruin their special day. Instead they're looking on the bright side.
"I won't have to bring my hand sanitizer, I guess," Baggio said.
In addition to eliminating handshaking from their graduation ceremony, school officials are also asking people with flu symptoms not to attend graduation ceremonies; that goes for both students and their family members.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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