Pace University has announced a virtual graduation this year - and it's not sitting well with students.

Pace announced via email that the ceremonies will be virtual for the second year in a row.

Ashley King, a senior at Pace, is turning her frustration into action by launching an online petition demanding university leadership reconsider.

"Break it down by school, break it down by day, break it down by time. Whatever you have to do," says King.

Pace isn't the only campus going virtual - Purchase College is planning to host a virtual celebration on May 21.

The website for Manhattanville College says plans for a commencement ceremony have not yet been decided.

Pace University tells News 12 the decision to host a virtual graduation was made for health and safety reasons. It added that there will be smaller, safe in-person celebratory events.

A university spokesperson said in a statement, "We remain determined to do everything we can to make this milestone meaningful to our students and their families."

The state Department of Health has not yet delivered any new guidance on graduations, but last summer it said in-person graduation drive-thru or drive-in events can be held if social distancing can be maintained.