Graduation Event
I found this section particularly interesting and valuable since we just completed our annual graduation ceremony and, as always, it was a wonderful event. I'm fortunate to have a co-worker who has taken ownership of this activity and it is always successful. Not all our graduates are able to return for the ceremony - they may have relocated to another state or perhaps are working and cannot take the day off. To see the faces of the students, their friends, and family members is something that I want to be involved with on a regular basis! It is so rewarding when you have personal knowledge of the struggles and challenges that some have faced before walking across that stage.
Jennifer,
Small or large there are many ways to provide a wonderful graduation experience.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We bring our student out on the clinic floor, invite family to attend and all staff talks about them - shares their proud moments
I always love hearing new ideas for graduations
That is a great idea! My school has a large graduation planned that includes all the departments in the school. It is a very nice program, with awards presented and speeches made. But recognizing the students in the classroom,on the day before would be very meaningful to them as well as for the instructors.
Karen,
It is why we do what we do.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Terry,
Always a joy to see their joy!
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Marlene,
Graduating our students is what we work for is it not? It is a big event for them and a satisfying event for the staff and faculty.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I feel our school does an amazing job with our graduation ceremony. I am an instructor and program director, at graduation program director are on stage and when our program comes up we announce the students name, give them honor cords (if earned) and a big hug. It is a night that we and our students do not forget.
Agreed! I also coordinate our graduation ceremonies. Its the most important job as well as stressful. I love watching students who worked through adversity, walk across that stage and acheive their ultimate goal. We made many great changes with this last ceremony and it was a hit! I look forward to making it better and brighter for our next set of grads. Its such a proud moment for me, as if they are my own child.
Not all of our graduates participated in graduation due to moving to another city, however, ones that did derived alot of happiness and satisfaction and seemed happy they did partipate. It was also a good chance to show their families their success and result of hard work
charlene,
Keep their eyes on the prize and showing them others that have achieved it is a good motivator.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
That is the best par about teaching to me. I enjoy the student, family, and friends that come out to help share the big day/night. I show graduation pictures and videos to my students somertimes to get them motivated.
Rebeccca,
Can you implement this at your school?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I like the idea of a more personal recognition on their last day! I also like the idea of having the graduates listed in the paper for recognition.
Tyler,
What is the latest enhancement? What was the reason?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
That is such a great idea! It probably makes them feel recognized more individually for their personal achievements as well, before the big day for everyone. I imagine they really enjoy that so much.
Graduation and our pinning ceremony are both important milestones for graduates to be recognized for their accomplishments and to reflect on their journey and to think about their future. As an administrator, sometimes its one of the few times I get to hear how influential the faculty and myself have been in their educational journey and its a wonderful experience for everyone. I try to find ways to enhance the ceremonies while still keeping to the school's traditions and the expectations of the students.
I like the idea of the graduates being recognized for their well deserved achievements in class. It serves as a sense of pride and accomplishment for the graduates; and it serves as a model of what's to come for the others. Greatest retention intervention ever.
Nuance,
What do you ask them to tout?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I agree with you here. Often when teaching and dealing with student issues, we forget exactly how our students fit into our community - they are mothers, fathers, wives, sisters, children etc. They all have unique roles that at Instructors we dont actually see until graduation when we see their position within their community as well as their families. It creates a warm feeling that drives me everyday, knowing that in a little way, I am impacting society as well as my community around me.
