Graduation
I believe one should begin with the end in mind. I mention to my new students how wonderful the graduation ceremony is and invite them to imagine themselves walking across the stage. Then I tell them to keep that thought in mind if times get rough.
Eric ,
This is a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your President' words and your actions.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our campus president during his orientation speech to new students asks the class when their graduation date will be. He writes it on the board. He tells a story of three important dates. Those dates are:
- First day of school.
- Their graduation date.
- The day they work in the industry.
He then goes on to say how when he was a student he wrote his graduation date down to help motivate him when times got hard.
My position as Director of Student Operations involves managing retention. I introduce myself to the new students at orientation and let them know on the first day of school that I will be the one who shakes their hand first when they graduate. This is powerful! I then tell a story of my own graduation and how special a day that is. When I go into the last class for a final exit interview, I congratulate the students and remind them of their graduation day and let them know they should RSVP. I let them know that graduation is more for their family and friends than for themselves. I share stories from the past graduation (we have them monthly) and let them know we have an average of 6 guests for every graduate. Many of the “tough guys†soften up when they hear that.
We are planning to create a wall of photographs that show off our graduation classes. This will help further stress the vision of completing what they start.
Eric
I think that's a great idea. I believe that we should set aside time during the mid portion of the students time here to allow them to attend the graduation. It might help keep them motivated.
No matter how macho or uninterested they may seem, everyone likes to be acknowledged. Others in school should see that there is an end to the process and it is something to be celebrated and to look forward to. "That will be you someday", great idea!!!!!
Shawn,
It does happen but graduates are missing something when they do not participate in a graduation ceremony. It is more than a celebration. It is closure to an important phase in their learning. It is a rite of passage.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Troy,
That is a very encouraging practice. Thank you for sharing.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I also encourage students who do not want to 'walk' that they should celebrate and enjoy the acknowledgment of their achievements.
I allow my students to walk by the auditorium during graduation and them tell them "that will be you someday"
Robert,
At one of my previous locations the graduations were held by program and all program students attended as part of class for that day.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
