CommencementEdit

Commencement is the formal ceremony that marks the completion of a degree or program, most commonly in colleges and universities. It is a public acknowledgment of years of study, effort, and the accumulation of knowledge that graduates can translate into work, service, or further study. The event is steeped in tradition: the processional, the wearing of cap and gown, the conferral of diplomas, and the ceremonial speeches that often bind the personal achievement of individuals to broader social responsibilities.

In modern settings, commencement also mirrors the tensions and aspirations of a broader society. While many ceremonies celebrate personal achievement and the transition to civic or professional life, others use the platform to address policy questions, culture, and identity. Debates about who should speak, what is appropriate to say, and how to balance tradition with inclusion are common. From a perspective that prizes merit, independence, and the link between education and opportunity, the core purpose of commencement remains the acknowledgment of achievement and the expectation that graduates contribute to the common good. The practice is also a reminder of the ongoing role of higher education in public life, and of the responsibilities that accompany a degree.

Origins and Traditions

The roots of commencement lie in the long history of universities in Europe and their spread to the Americas. Early academic rites evolved into formal ceremonies that publicly certify a graduate’s attainment. The word commencement itself evokes a beginning, underscoring the idea that completion opens a new phase of life and work. Over time, the ceremony accumulated symbolic acts that endure across institutions: a formal procession of graduates led by university officials, the wearing of regalia, and the act of conferring degrees in a ceremonial setting.

Regalia and Dress

Academic regalia—gowns, hoods, and mortarboard caps—has become the most recognizable visual language of commencement. The colors and ribbons associated with different fields of study and degree levels serve as a quick map of a graduate’s training. The mortarboard, sometimes grounded in tradition by the tassel’s movement from right to left, represents the crossing from student status to degree holder. The hood or lining colors typically identify disciplines and the level of degree, linking contemporary ceremonies to centuries of scholarly tradition. For many observers, regalia reinforces a shared sense of scholarly identity across diverse backgrounds.

Roles and Ceremony Structure

Typical elements include a processional of faculty and graduates, a welcome address by a university leader, and a keynote or commencement address by a guest speaker. The ceremony culminates in the conferment of degrees, often followed by moments of reflection, the singing of songs or anthems, and a recessional that signals the end of the formal program. The valedictorian and other student speakers may offer reflections on the journey and future obligations, while institutional leaders frame the institution’s mission in a broader civic context. In many cases, the event also strengthens ties to alumni networks and the communities that supported students along the way. See graduation for related concepts, and valedictorian for a common student speaker role.

Ceremonial Elements

  • Procession and recessional, highlighting the unity of graduates and the leadership of the institution.
  • Conferral of degrees by the president or chancellor and the formal marking of accomplishment.
  • Academic regalia that identifies disciplines, degree levels, and institutional heritage.
  • Speeches that blend personal reflection with broader commentary on responsibility, opportunity, and public life.
  • Traditions such as turning, tassels, or cap-throwing, which have become enduring ritual moments for participants and families.
  • Music, prayers or invocations in some settings, and the possibility of multiple speakers, including distinguished guests and alumni.

Contemporary Debates and Perspectives

Tradition, Merit, and the Purpose of the Ceremony

From a perspective that prioritizes continuity and personal responsibility, commencement is first and foremost a celebration of achievement earned through study and discipline. Proponents stress that the ceremony should foreground the transfer from education to productive life and civic participation, with a focus on the skills graduates acquire, not on political messaging. In this view, the central purpose is to recognize accomplishment and to encourage graduates to apply their talents to the workforce, public service, or further study.

Political Messaging and Free Speech

Opponents of allowing or encouraging activism at commencement argue that a ceremony dedicated to individual achievement and the mastery of a discipline should remain focused on scholarly work. They contend that politicized speeches or platform-style messaging can overshadow the educational mission and turn a rite of passage into a partisan event. Supporters counter that the university is a venue for discussion of social issues, and that free speech allows voices from across the spectrum to engage graduates as they prepare to participate in public life. The matter often centers on the limits of platform rights within a campus setting and the responsibilities of institutions to maintain safety and order while preserving open dialogue. The topic intersects with broader questions about freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Institutional Identity

Another axis of debate concerns how inclusive commencements should be. Proponents argue that ceremonies ought to reflect the diversity of the student body and the values of equal opportunity, sometimes incorporating speakers or recognitions that highlight social justice or global concerns. Critics may worry that such inclusions could dilute the emphasis on individual achievement or pressure institutions to adopt an agenda that does not reflect all graduates. The tension between inclusive practices and a traditional focus on merit is a living part of many institutional cultures.

Costs and Accessibility

The financial and logistical aspects of commencement are a practical concern. Institutions weigh the costs of staging elaborate ceremonies against the benefits of honoring graduates and engaging families. For many families, travel, lodging, and ceremony-related expenses can be substantial, especially for large or out-of-town events. Advocates of reform may call for more streamlined, affordable options or for alternative ways to recognize graduates outside the formal ceremony. See higher education costs for related discussions about how institutions balance resources and student outcomes.

Global Variations

Commencement or its closest equivalents appear in many countries, though customs vary. In the United States, the ceremony is a long-standing tradition tied closely to academic regalia and the conferral of degrees. In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, graduation ceremonies may emphasize the awarding of degrees in a more formal congregational setting, with a schedule that places a premium on the ceremonial aspects and the ceremonial garb, while international campuses often blend local customs with universal elements of the honor. Other regions adapt the format to local educational histories, emphasizing community recognition, national or institutional symbols, and the responsibilities attached to educational achievement.

See also