Graduation!
While it may not be mandatory for all college personnel to attend, I think it's a great idea to do so.
It sends a great message to the students that you care, even if one of YOUR students aren't graduating at the time.
I couldn't agree more. I think it is so important to attend graduation. It shows how much we care about our students.
Graduation is so important for so many reasons. I feel the staff should attend. They may not have to stay for the whole thing, even though it's really just a couple nights a year, but it should be almost as rewarding for them as it is for the graduate and their families. To be able to see someone walk through the door, not knowing what they want, where they want to go in life and then work so hard to get there and FINALLY get to walk. It's an emotional experience for everyone involved.
I attended my first graduation for our school just 4 days into the job and it was an exceptional experience. The emotions of both the graduates and faculty as the grads received their diplomas/degrees really validated the overall great experience of what we do!
Right on, Andrew! I couldn't agree more, and appreciate your courage to be bold. I have many times thought the same thing when I saw other reps socializing and running for the doors as soon as they were no longer 'required' to be there. As for me, I had my camera in hand and was taking photos of all those students that I helped get there!! I stayed after, to talk to their families, and just congratulate them one last time and tell them how PROUD I was of their dedication to succeed.
I personally feel everyone should attend graduation. I find it very rewarding when I see the students walk across the stage.
I would have to argee with this statement. These students have worked so hard to get to this point, and the more support that they reciece durring this fantastic time the better.
Yes, you are so correct it shows that we care how our school is going and to watch the joy in their faces when they receive what they have so tried for, makes you tear up. Some struggle to graduate some do not, either way they accomplished their goal.
Agreed! The second you make something mandatory, the genuineness leaves. Why would you want someone acting like they support you? Also, who wants a negative nancy at the party?
I agree. In some of the college environments the students may be in their early 40's or maybe early 20's with small kids at home. Maybe they decided to go back to school to give their children a better future, but their children are to small to be there for graduation. In cases like this, the student might not have anyone there who can watch them walk across the stage. So, it is important for our institutions to show them that they have accomplished something great and even if they don't have family there to support them, we are very proud of them.
I'll take a personal angle on this topic. I get a terrific feeling of accomplishment and closure with the students when I attend their graduation. I remember the first conversation I had with the student, their 1st day of class and the times I meet them around campus.
I experience their joy and it inspires me to move forward with this rewarding career.
Graduation is for the students! They've worked hard and earned the privilege! All personel, from enrollment, to marketing, to student services to instructors, to the head of the school should be willing to attend and honor these students. It shows them you really are interested in more than their money!
I know that I'll be going to at least one of the ceremonies at the local "Brick and Morter" campus, as it will be for me! But they aren't required at our online division.
At our online school graduation is not required but is available if a student would like to participate. I think it would be a plus to have it as an option for future graduates to contemplate.
Graduation is the visual representation of completing what one started. I can't see how ANY school would not want to have some form of a graduation ceremony. I think we owe each and every student this as a recognition of to the hard work they have put in, because not everyone makes it to that point.
This has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Watching one of your students get their degree and knowing the part you played in that process has to be awesome!
I agree Neil. Besides it might work for your benefit if that student wants to come back to school at a later time.
I agree, Neil. Graduation is a time of celebration and recognition and every student deserves to have a crowd of people witnessing and commending their accomplishments.
I couldn’t agree more. College personnel attending graduation shows the students are more than just a number. It also gives the personnel a since of completion when I student makes it to graduation.
I believe atttandence and participation is very important. It shows our students we really do care about them.
