By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Photo | Brianna Wallen
Psychology major Emmanuel Jean, a freshman in Engleman Hall on April 17.
As graduation approaches, many seniors at the university are buzzing with excitement as they prepare their caps, confirm their degrees and pick up their regalia.
However, this year, some students were left confused and even disappointed after realizing they had not been invited to the Senior Honors Convocation, despite qualifying for Latin Honors.
“I feel like I’m kinda missing out,” communication major Samantha Harmon, a senior, said. “I didn’t go last year but I remember people talking about it and wishing I could and now I can but they changed it so that sucks.”
An email sent by the university highlighting Latin Honors Cord frequently asked questions, said the Senior Honors Convocation is not the same as the Latin Honors cord distribution.
“The Senior Honors Convocation is a formal event for students who were nominated by their department to receive a specific award,” the email said. “Latin Honors cord pick-up is not part of the Convocation and is a separate process.”
While Latin Honors recognize academic achievement based on GPA, only students receiving departmental awards are invited to participate in the Convocation ceremony.
This means that students who qualify for Latin Honors will still receive their cords, but through a different process.
In past years, students receiving Latin Honors could expect to receive their cords at the Senior Honors Convocation.
However, as of this year, cord distribution has been moved out of the ceremony entirely.
“Due to logistical and planning reasons the Latin Honors cords will no longer be handed out at the Convocation,” the email said. “Instead, cords can be picked up at designated events, during Commencement or from the Registrar’s Office.”
This change was made by the Senior Honors Convocation Committee in collaboration with the University Administration.
It was implemented to make the process more efficient for both students and staff.
For some seniors, the change has led to feelings of exclusion and frustration over a milestone they feel should be more inclusive.
“I understand money issues and whatever other thought processes they have about making that ceremony exclusive or smaller, but I feel lots of students feel the same way as me,” Harmon said.
While not all seniors will be able to participate in the Convocation ceremony, every graduate has earned the right to celebrate their accomplishments.
Whether seniors are attending the Convocation or crossing the stage at graduation, their hard work is being honored and celebrated, even if the ceremony is a bit different this year.
