DOUGLAS COLLEGE

PROPOSALS REGARDING GRADUATION CEREMONIES:!

Background

Over the past several months, there have been many suggestions
for changes to the location, organization and ceremonies of
our biannual graduations. Consequently, the Deans have met

to discuss the suggestions and to develop proposals for change.
This document outlines the proposals of the Deans and we
invite comment/criticism from any member of the College
Community. We require comment by March 15 in order to imple-
ment any changes for this year.
Assumptions

We have assumed that there is a desire to retain some element of
formality and that it should not be increased or decreased. We
We have also assumed that those who have expressed a desire for
an opportunity for activities with a departmental or program
focus was representative of the desires of most, if not all,
departments. Finally, we have assumed that it is desireable to
allow each student to be called by name before the entire
assembly. This provides the student (and his/her family/friends)
with a moment of glory and also provides the College with an
opportunity (the only opportunity) to showcase all of its
graduates and their diversity. The broad range of the types

of student who attend is made manifest to all assembled.

Recommendations

lL. That Graduation Ceremonies include a recognition of signi-
ficant contributions/achievements of ‘coll¢ge “employees.

Lie That Graduation Ceremonies be held in the concourse.
- types and cost of padded seating are being explored.
- sound systems are being investigated.

3 That Graduation Ceremonies be held on Saturday afternoons
(approx. 2:00 p.m.)

4. That the "formal" ceremony consist of
a) Remarks/Greetings from
Board Chairman
College President
Faculty
Students
b) Presentation of Diplomas/Certificates/Citation
c) Presentation of Awards
-to students
-College employees
d) Valedictory address
and be approximately 90 minutes in duration.

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