MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- As organizers prepare for UW-Madison’s first-ever virtual graduation, some seniors are mourning the experience they could’ve had.

The online commencement is at noon on Saturday, May 9. The traditional ceremony at Camp Randall was canceled back in March due to the pandemic.

Normally this is such an exciting time for graduating college students. They’re celebrating their achievement and moving on to the next phase in their lives. For some seniors, virtual graduation just won’t be enough.

“There’s really mixed feelings,” said Sarah Neufcourt, who’s graduating with a B.S. in biological systems engineering.

Some of the original program will be included in the online commencement, just done virtually. Author James Patterson will deliver the commencement address. There are virtual performances planned, like an a cappella group’s rendition of Varsity.

At first, Neufcourt wasn’t even sure she’d watch. “We’re not wearing cap and gowns, it’s just not the same.” Some students bought a cap and gown, some did not.

“I know friends that are not watching it,” Neufcourt said. “I was just like why, why would I log in, there’s really no point … I feel like I’m gonna log into a lecture again.”

Online some students have said they’re looking forward so some sort of celebration, even just through the computer. Others have had such a rough end to their college careers, they think watching from afar will just make them sad.

“The emotions are going to be less than if I was actually watching at Camp Randall,” Neufcourt said.

She decided to at least tune in to check it out. “I’ll just go into it and see how it goes.”

Commencement isn’t just for the student though. It’s a moment for families to take pride in their graduates. “Some of my friends are actually watching it with their family when they’re back home,” Neufcourt said. Her family is in the Washington D.C. area, so she won’t get to experience it with them live.

The melancholy lots of students are feeling isn’t just because of the ceremony. These grads are entering a shaky world. Finding a job is even tougher than it was before the pandemic, leaving their futures uncertain.

“From what I’m hearing, it’s really difficult for us just graduated. We barely have any experience,” Neufcourt said. “People who do have secure jobs are like getting either reduced in terms of how much they’re getting paid, or how much they’re working.”

UW-Madison’s virtual graduation is Saturday at noon. You can watch it here.

Other UW System schools have made their own decisions about graduation. Some are holding virtual ceremonies, while others are holding off entirely.