Why is graduation called commencement exercises

They may also recognize honor students or students whose accomplishments have been outstanding. The commencement program can include weeklong demonstrations and exhibits of student work prior to the ceremony. Commencement planners encountered a number of challenges during the last two decades of the twentieth century.

One of these challenges was finding a facility large enough to accommodate the families and friends of graduates who wanted to attend the celebration. Schools often use their school football stadium if one is available. This decision often solves one problem only to create another if weather conditions are not conducive to an outdoor ceremony. Since commencement programs typically occur in the spring, rain and lightning may force the program indoors.

If weather does force the program indoors, the number of parents and guests who can attend may be limited. Another potential problem for school officials is graduate behavior at commencement. Some students choose to celebrate by engaging in minor pranks at their commencement, such as throwing a beach ball around during speeches to handing the principal a marble as the diploma is presented.

Students may also decorate their caps with decorations or a message. Educators who believe that commencement should be a formal ceremony have tried a number of strategies to prevent pranks from occurring and have enjoyed varying degrees of success. During the second half of the twentieth century, United States courts handed down a number of rulings that defined the constitutional relationship between public schools and religion.

None of those rulings directly addressed the constitutionality of prayer at public school commencement. The rulings did, however, limit prayer initiated by school officials in the classroom and at school events such as football games. They were beginning their careers as masters of arts; they were being initiated as teachers. Image courtesy of Shutterstock. Her popular LinkedIn Learning courses help people write better to communicate better. Jump to Navigation. Why Is It Called Commencement?

By Mignon Fogarty Grammar Girl. Example, find x. I never had an x. End of the day, commencement exercises should really be a special occasion for graduating students. Dangal at Husay. Ad majorem Dei gloriam! You are commenting using your WordPress.

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