Is commencement the same as graduation?

Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.

Why is it called commencement and not graduation?

Commencement refers to the start of something, and in an academic context, this ceremony signifies you're starting your career and the next phase of your life. Students may be allowed to participate in commencement prior to completing all of their graduation requirements.

Is it commencement day or graduation day?

Meanwhile, "commencement" is the official term for the graduation ceremony, where students, family, and faculty celebrate their accomplishments. The largest commencement usually takes place at the close of the spring term, but it may happen during other terms as well.

What does it mean to have a commencement in college?

Simply put, Commencement is a ceremony held once a year that honors students who just have or will soon graduate, which means completing all requirements of their degree program. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated.

What is also referred to as commencement?

Graduation is when an educational institution awards a diploma to a student. It may also refer to the ceremony that is associated with it, which can also be called commencement, congregation, convocation or invocation. The date of the graduation ceremony is often called graduation day.

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What is the purpose of commencement?

The commencement ceremony is one of the most meaningful and symbolic events in a college student's career. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and accomplishments of the past, and on the hope, excitement, and responsibility of the future.

What does commencement mean in high school?

Commencement is a ceremony at a university, college, or high school at which students formally receive their degrees or diplomas.

Is college graduation called commencement?

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.

Is college commencement worth it?

Commencement bookends your college career and honors your accomplishment. While graduating college may not seem like a big deal to some, it's a major life event that most people don't get to experience: Over half of Americans do not hold a bachelor's degree.

Is it important to attend commencement?

Yes, you are just as much a graduate if you never make the walk but those who pass it up often express regret later. Without the pomp, without the silly costume, the walk, and speeches, school just kind of merges into life.

What is the day before graduation called?

Baccalaureate occurs the Friday before Commencement, usually at 1pm, and typically lasts an hour.

Does commencement mean end?

The word commencement is actually derived from a 13th century French word meaning beginning or start. You see, commencement isn't the celebration of an ending it's the celebration of a new beginning. As students, when you commence, you actually begin a new chapter in your life.

At what age does college end?

As a general rule, most students graduate from high school when they are 18 years of age. If they proceed directly into college, and complete the curriculum requirements in the normal four year allotment of time, they will graduate from college, at the age of 22.

Do they call your name at commencement?

Most do so at school-specific ceremonies—for example, engineering graduates will have their names read at the engineering-school ceremony—and not during a university-wide commencement.

What is a synonym for graduation commencement?

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What is it called when you graduate from elementary school?

Whether you call it graduation day, moving up day, or recognition day, this is a day to honor and celebrate your students moving on to middle school. Many school districts try and make this day special by holding graduation ceremonies to celebrate their students' accomplishments.

Can I get my degree without going to graduation?

Graduates typically receive empty diploma covers at graduation, so it's not as though you'll be missing out on receiving your actual degree at the ceremony. Your degree will most likely arrive in the mail a few months after your college graduation day.

Can you still walk if you don't graduate?

A graduating student is someone who has met all graduation requirements, whereas “walking” means a student who is participating in ceremonies but is not graduating yet. Diplomas are mailed and not given to students at either commencement or convocation.

Do you have to dress up for commencement?

Keep in mind that if you wear a coat or jacket, it will have to go with you into the ceremony. (Consider light layers instead.) Suggest that your guests dress business casual. Although there is no dress code, many guests like to dress up for this special day.

Who speaks at college commencement?

Student commencement speakers are often valedictorians or may otherwise be elected by their peers to represent the student body. Despite meaning "beginning", commencement may be mistaken to mean "ending" due to its association with the end of one's studies.

What is a college graduation called?

Commencement refers to the ceremony, officiated by the provost of the university, where you share the excitement and importance of your academic accomplishments with peers, family, and friends.

What month do college students graduate?

Colleges generally hold their graduations in May. Many high schools hold their graduations in early June. It is hard to generalize because there are so many high schools and colleges in the US and there is no real "general rule" when it comes to graduation.

Is it better to graduate in December or May?

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But since you're graduating in December, you can use the extra time to get a head start on that hunt. While you're free from the classroom, other college seniors will still be hitting the books, so there'll be less job competition. And less competition means better chances for you!

What do parents wear to high school graduation?

A cotton button-down shirt, sports jacket and slacks, or a light-colored suit, collared shirt and tie are good choices for men. For a woman, proper attire would be a cotton dress, a skirt and blouse, or a nice pantsuit.

What do teachers wear to graduation?

Usually, schools give custom faculty graduation regalia to these members. These gowns typically include custom colors and embroidered seals on the front panels.