A virtual commencement address and virtual diplomas will be handed out to University of Hawaii students participating in an online graduation ceremony.

The university’s College of Education Department of Education Technology is organizing the graduation event in the virtual world of Second Life.

The May 6 ceremony will take place at a replica of Diamond Head Amphitheatre.

Education technology professor Peter Leong said all students in the department — those who study on-campus and online — can participate.

He said some students are planning real-life parties with families and friends that coincide with the virtual graduation.