The Consequences of Missing Your Graduation Practice Ceremony: A Personal Account
Entering the world of higher education can be a tumultuous experience, filled with new challenges and the excitement of receiving your diploma. However, for some, the process of graduation can be overshadowed by the seemingly mandatory practice ceremony, which may seem like a mere formality. This article delves into the potential consequences of missing your graduation practice ceremony, as shared in a personal account, and discusses whether skipping the practice is worth the risks.
The Importance of the Graduation Practice Ceremony
Attending the graduation practice ceremony is often seen as a crucial step in the graduation process. Schools may require attendance to ensure that graduates are familiar with the entire graduation ceremony procedure, from lining up to receiving their diplomas. This ensures a smooth and organized day for all participants. However, for others, the practice ceremony might seem like just a show for another show, especially if it doesn't offer anything substantial in terms of information or preparation.
The Costs and Benefits of Missing the Practice Ceremony
For those who miss the practice ceremony, the outcomes can vary. In some cases, there may be no formal penalties, while in others, there may be specific rules and consequences. Based on a personal account, missing the practice ceremony can lead to:
No Formal Penalty, But Potential Missed Information
In many scenarios, attending the practice ceremony is not necessarily a requirement, and you might still be able to receive your diploma without it. The author of this account, for instance, attended Fordham University for an MS program and managed to receive her diploma without attending the practice ceremony. Here's what happens:
You sit, wait, and hear your name called. You walk over to the person handing out the diploma, which you might or might not find valuable. You return to your seat.For the author, the practice ceremony was seen as a "dog and pony show" that was irrelevant to her, and she didn't attend it. The experience of missing the ceremony can be a relief, as it means not having to deal with a potentially boring and unnecessary event.
The Personal Impact of Missing the Practice Ceremony
Missing the practice ceremony can also have a personal impact. The author shares:
"Absolutely nothing. You sit, wait, hear your name called, walk over to the person who hands you a piece of paper that might have been worth the resources you spent on it, and return to your seat. Practice ceremony is a show for another show. If you’re lucky it wouldn’t have been a shitshow."
This statement underscores the potential feeling of being unprepared if you miss the practice ceremony. However, the author emphasizes that, in her experience, nothing significant happened. Nevertheless, the practice ceremony can be a valuable opportunity for familiarization, which might not have been possible for her.
The Experience at Fordham University
The author's experience at Fordham University, where she attended an MS in Applied Research Methods program, provides further insight into the potential issues:
The program was described as overpriced and lacking in value, with no direct job-related skills. There were arbitrary and always-changing requirements, which were seen as a scam. The courses taught were mostly useless or could be learned for free online.The experience at Fordham was not positive, with the author facing several issues:
Grading and Academic Probation
Grading was often unfair, with students being forced to pay additional credits to graduate. The program director, Andrew Rasmussen, assigned classes in another department, but the professor in charge did not follow her own syllabus. The grading process was manipulated, leading to forced academic probation.Communication and Trust Issues
Emails were hijacked, leading to damaging communications. The author was falsely accused of not completing certain tasks while evidence suggested otherwise. The grading process was not followed according to the handbook, leading to violations and unfair treatment.Personal Reflections and Future Steps
The author reflects on her experience, stating that the day she collected her diploma was the last time she was in that school. She closed a chapter of her life and moved on to the "grown-up world."
"I just missed a boring dog and pony show that meant nothing to me. When I got back from a summer trip to Europe, I went to the front office and got my diploma. That was the last time I was ever in that school. A chapter of my life closed, and I went off to the grown-up world."
From this account, it becomes clear that while some schools may have rigid rules, others may have more lenient policies. Missing the practice ceremony can be a relief, but it's also important to ensure that you're not missing crucial information or facing potential penalties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while missing the graduation practice ceremony might seem trivial, it's crucial to be aware of the potential consequences. If attending the practice ceremony is not mandatory, it's important to check your school's specific policies. However, for those feeling overcharged or mistreated, skipping the ceremony might seem like a welcome relief, as the author discovered. The author's story serves as a reminder that higher education is not always a smooth sail, and it's essential to be aware of your rights and the policies in place.