Savanna Hoffman
The procedures and traditions surrounding academic graduation ceremonies differ across the world. In the UK, a graduation usually only occurs at the university level, whereas in the US and many other countries, graduations also take place at high schools. The graduation date is often called graduation day, and graduates can be referred to by their year of graduation. While the date of graduation is usually predetermined by the university, students may have some flexibility in choosing their graduation date by considering their specific program and requirements. For example, internships or pursuing a master's degree immediately after a bachelor's can influence the graduation date. Ultimately, the graduation date may not be a significant concern for most employers, as long as the degree requirements have been met.
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What You'll Learn
Graduation vs. Commencement
The terms "graduation" and "commencement" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct concepts in the world of academia. While they are interconnected, it is possible to experience one without the other.
Graduation
Graduation is the act of receiving a degree or diploma after completing all the requirements of a degree program. This typically involves fulfilling academic requirements, such as completing coursework, passing exams, and maintaining a certain grade point average. Once these requirements are met, the student is considered a graduate of their program. Graduation is not a singular event but rather a process that occurs at the end of each semester. Students must apply to graduate, and upon certification and approval, the degree is awarded and displayed on the student's transcript. The degree conferral process usually takes place within 4-6 weeks after final semester grades are posted, and diplomas are printed and mailed shortly after.
Commencement
Commencement, derived from the Latin word for "beginning," is a ceremony held once a year, typically in May, to honour students who have recently graduated or will soon graduate. It is a celebration of their academic achievements and marks the beginning of a new phase in their lives. During the commencement ceremony, graduating students often wear traditional caps and gowns and may invite their friends and family to share this significant moment. A designated speaker, such as a university president or provost, may address the graduating class with a speech, and graduates may receive a congratulatory document or folder as they walk across the stage.
While participation in commencement is separate from the graduation process, it is an important ritual that symbolises the transition from student to scholar. It provides an opportunity for graduates to celebrate with their peers, faculty, and loved ones, creating lasting memories of their academic journey.
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Graduation as a rite of passage
Graduation is a rite of passage, marking a significant transition in a person's life. It is a ceremony that celebrates the completion of a student's academic journey and their entry into adulthood. While the specific traditions and rituals associated with graduation may vary across cultures and educational institutions, the underlying significance of graduation as a rite of passage remains.
The concept of a "rite of passage" refers to a ceremony or event that marks an important milestone in an individual's life, involving a significant change in their social status. It represents a transition from one stage of life to another, often signifying a newfound sense of maturity and responsibility. In the context of graduation, this translates to the recognition of academic achievement and the subsequent entrance into a new phase of life beyond formal education.
For many graduates, the ceremony serves as a symbolic gateway to adulthood. It signifies the culmination of their academic endeavours and the commencement of their journey into the "real world". This transition is particularly notable for high school graduates, who are often embarking on their first steps towards independence, whether it be pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other paths. The ceremony thus becomes a means to acknowledge and honour this pivotal moment in their lives.
While the graduation ceremony itself is a collective celebration, it also holds personal significance for each graduate. It is a moment of individual recognition, where their unique achievements and potential are celebrated in front of their peers, families, and mentors. This aspect of personal acknowledgement further underscores the idea of graduation as a rite of passage, as it affirms the graduate's identity and marks their transition into a new phase of life.
Additionally, the rite of passage aspect of graduation extends beyond the ceremony itself. The process of applying for graduation, fulfilling degree requirements, and receiving certification are all integral parts of this transition. These steps signify the completion of one chapter and the imminent beginning of another. The graduation ceremony, therefore, serves as a symbolic culmination of these efforts, providing a sense of closure and a gateway to the graduate's next endeavours.
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Online graduation ceremonies
While in-person graduation ceremonies were put on hold during the pandemic, many universities opted for online or virtual graduation ceremonies. Even now, as in-person graduations resume, many institutions are choosing to continue with online ceremonies or a hybrid of virtual and in-person events.
Another benefit of virtual graduations is the ability to bring in additional speakers or invite attendees who may not have been able to travel to an in-person event. This can include noteworthy alumni, parents, and community leaders, creating an inspiring speaker lineup for the graduates.
Online graduations also allow for social distancing and can reduce the pressure of being live. For instance, Minnesota held a series of mini-ceremonies throughout the day, compiling the footage for a virtual ceremony shared on social media.
However, it's important to consider the drawbacks of online graduation ceremonies. They may lack the same emotional impact and sense of occasion as in-person events. Graduation is a significant milestone for students and their families, marking the culmination of years of education and the transition to a new chapter. The ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate with friends and loved ones, creating lasting memories.
Additionally, online graduations can present technical challenges and may not offer the same level of interactivity and personal connection as in-person events.
Ultimately, the decision to hold an online, in-person, or hybrid graduation ceremony depends on various factors, including health protocols, student and guest preferences, and the desire to include a broader range of attendees.
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The history of graduation ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies date back to the 12th century when the first universities in Europe were established. At that time, Latin was the language of scholars, and a "universitas" referred to a guild of masters (such as MAs) licensed to teach. The term "degree" originates from the Latin "gradus," meaning "step," reflecting the progression from a bachelor's to a master's degree.
The graduation gown, a defining feature of these ceremonies, also emerged during this period due to the cold temperatures in poorly heated medieval universities. The scholars, many of whom were clerics, wore long gowns with hoods, often donning their clerical robes underneath. This academic dress became highly uniform at institutions like Cambridge and Oxford by the time of Henry VIII.
Over the centuries, graduation traditions have evolved and diversified globally. In the United States, the graduation cap toss tradition began with the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912, while in Sweden, the graduation hat tradition has been in place since the mid-18th century. In countries like Argentina and Uruguay, graduation celebrations take the form of spontaneous street carnivals, with graduates and their companions engaging in enthusiastic food-throwing and revelry.
Graduation ceremonies themselves have also transformed. In the 1930s, ceremonies in Wisconsin tended to be more subdued, focusing on invocations and benedictions, with senior activities like class plays and picnics. Today, college graduations often take place in large stadiums and arenas to accommodate the crowds, reflecting the expanding scale and significance of these milestone events.
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International graduation traditions
While graduation ceremonies are a global phenomenon, the procedures and traditions surrounding them vary across countries.
In the United States, graduations are held at various levels of education, from kindergarten to university. The American Council on Education (ACE) is the authority on academic dress and has developed a general guide that is followed by most institutions. The traditional attire includes square caps with tassels, known as mortarboards, and gowns or robes. Higher education graduates also wear a separate hood. In some regions, families of the graduate host a party, displaying photos, awards, and mementos from the student's academic journey.
In the United Kingdom, students typically do not have formal graduation ceremonies below the university level. University graduation ceremonies often begin with a procession of academics in academic dress. Some older universities may conduct the ceremony in Latin.
In Sweden, both high school and university graduation ceremonies are celebrated. Graduating students wear caps and often gather with their families and well-wishers for breakfast and a champagne toast. They put on white sea captain hats and sashes, which get covered with notes and well-wishes. Students then meet at the school, chanting and singing as seniors exit the building.
In India, the graduation ceremony is known as convocation, a formal affair that includes a procession of academic heads and students. Students wear academic dress, typically a gown worn open at the front, sometimes with a square hat. A valediction takes place before the chief guest hands out the certificates.
In Hong Kong, students take a final exam after five years of secondary school. If they pass, they continue for two more years and then celebrate graduation. If they fail, they cannot continue, and graduation is celebrated with older students who are graduating after seven years of secondary school. The ceremony is conducted in school uniforms.
In Norway, there is no formal graduation ceremony. Seniors are given the week of May 17th, Norway's Independence Day, off to celebrate on their own. However, the celebrations can last up to three months. On May 16th, graduates often stay up all night, and in the morning, they wake their teachers with their car horns. Some teachers prepare for this by waiting up with breakfast and beverages, while others leave town or set up pranks for the seniors. Diplomas are distributed in an assembly on the last day of school.
While the specific traditions vary, graduation ceremonies universally symbolize change and the transition from student to educated scholar. They are a time for celebration, reflection, and the creation of lasting memories.
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Frequently asked questions
The program end date is when your final dissertation is accepted and all associated paperwork is completed. Your degree is awarded once it has been approved by the Senate, and graduation is when you walk across the stage and are handed your degree.
If you are unsure of your expected graduation date, consult your degree audit, course plan, or advisor. You can also consider your specific program and how it may affect your graduation date. For example, some programs require you to complete an internship before graduating, which may extend your graduation date.
No, universities have an official date where all degrees for the term are conferred. This date is usually not the same as the graduation ceremony, as there can be multiple ceremonies across multiple days.
