What's the difference between commencement and graduation?

College graduation marks the completion of your degree requirements, while commencement celebrates those accomplishments and looks toward the future.

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 university commencement mean?

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.

Why is it called graduation?

Ceremonies for graduating students date from the first universities in Europe in the twelfth century. At that time, Latin was the language of scholars. A universitas was a guild of masters (such as MAs) with licence to teach. "Degree" and "graduate" come from gradus, meaning "step".

Does commencement mean start or end?

A commencement is the act of starting out, or blazing a new trail. The suffix -ment makes the word commencement a noun — a thing, an activity, a start. The word can be used for the beginning of anything, from a business meeting to a vacation trip to a marriage. Anything that begins has a moment of commencement.

Commencement vs Convocation

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.

What do we call a graduation ceremony?

Commencement ceremonies are the official graduation events for the university. Commencement is open to all graduating students, regardless of what college or school they are graduating from.

Is a graduation ceremony same as commencement ceremony?

Graduation vs Commencement

Graduation is when the student has officially and successfully completed all their degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony in which degrees are conferred and celebrates the achievement of the students who have graduated or will soon graduate during the academic year.

Is graduation ceremony called commencement?

Often referred to as “Graduation”, Commencement is the ceremony. It is an end-of-spring semester celebration for students projected to successfully complete all of their graduation requirements by the end of that Spring or Summer semester. Commencement is coordinated by the Commencement Office.

Is it better to graduate in December or May?

Get a Head Start on the Job Search

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!

Is college commencement worth it?

Besides showing you how proud they are of all of your hard work, the graduation ceremony also gives you a chance to be a role model for your friends and children in real-time. They can see the results of all your hard work... in person! Meet your instructors and support staff!

Does commencement date mean?

As the name suggests, it refers to the specific date when something begins or starts. Just like the first page of a calendar marks the start of the year, the 'date commenced' marks the commencement of a process, project, or agreement.

What is the day before graduation called?

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

What month is graduation in UK?

Most universities in the UK hold graduations between June and September on the year you graduate from university. However, there are many exceptions to this, and some even hold them up to a year later.

Should I go to my master's graduation?

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.

Do they call names at commencement?

Graduate names are called during the winter ceremony only. The spring ceremony is too large to call out every graduate's name. However, many departments and student groups hold smaller, more personal graduations during the spring semester only that may include the calling of names.

What is a synonym for graduation commencement?

convocation dawning graduation initiation kickoff onset outset.

What is the difference between Commence and commencement?

If a congressman wants to start a meeting to vote on an important bill, he might say, "This meeting will begin immediately." Or, he could make the same statement in a more formal way by saying, "This meeting will commence immediately." Interestingly enough, while the word commence means to start, a commencement ...

Is a graduation speech also called a commencement address?

A commencement speech or commencement address is a speech given to graduating students, generally at a university, although the term is also used for secondary education institutions and in similar institutions around the world.

Is a commencement speech a graduation speech?

Commencement speech: A speech given at graduation, often by a prominent figure in the local or global community as part of a larger schedule of commencement ceremonies.

What is an example of commencement?

noun. They awaited the commencement of the trial. A Nobel Prize winner will speak at the commencement. Commencement will kick off with a family reception followed by a banquet.

What is a graduation ceremony UK?

A UK graduation is a ceremony that happens at the end of a student's time at University. This ceremony is the time that the student receives their degree officially. Your university graduation ceremony is a monumental occasion where you can celebrate your studying achievements and begin the next chapter of your life.

Can I skip commencement?

There is also no requirement to be physically present at graduation in order to officially earn your degree. While often referred to as "graduation," the commencement ceremony is just that: ceremonial. As long as you've fulfilled all the requirements for your degree, then you've graduated.

What is the opposite of commencement?

Opposite of the beginning or start of something. conclusion. close. end. ending.