To those Attending TESC Commencement, Congratulations.

[Saharapost]

I won't be attending the graduation ceremony this year. I wish I was able to attend. May I use this opportunity to congratulate fellow TESC Alumni who are graduating this year and those who (graduated years ago and) are attending. I believe there are hundreds like me who are unable to attend. Does TESC, like COSC, stream the commencement ceremony live? Anyone has an idea about where to watch the ceremony?

[video=youtube;YKTTkIbUEdU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKTTkIbUEdU[/video]

[bricabrac]

Hi!

Yes, to watch the ceremony online go to the commencement webpage (Commencement at Thomas Edison State College) and you'll see a new link available to stream live. If memory serves the online broadcast link opens about 1hr prior to start. Just a fun historical fact - the first live online broadcast was the 37th Commencement Ceremony, 2009.

Keep checking back to the same page (maybe 2 weeks or so don't quite remember) for the new graduation class picture to post.

[Saharapost]

Thanks for the link, Bricabrac. If, according to a TESC Facebook post, those who don't attend won't get the graduation cap and gown, at least I should be able to watch the graduands walk the stage in their gown. Gosh, I was hoping to get my cap and gown posted to me so I could walk the stage at home.

[bricabrac]

If, according to a TESC Facebook post, those who don't attend won't get the graduation cap and gown

Hmmmm, that's interesting, I did not attend two ceremonies and received my cap/gown and all extras (programs, honors cords) for both. Whether you've already RSVPd or not, contact the graduation specialist and let her know you will not be attending but would like your cap/gown, program, etc, mailed to your home address. I was told the package is mailed after ceremony. Guessed everything was shipped directly to the site and garments for the students who had not attended were taken back to the college and mailed.


Edit to add:
To save funds, they may now only send to non-attending students who ask since technically the cost is included in the graduation fee. But for those who do not know...why not pocket a few nickels.


I checked last years pic and those are the very same affordable (wrinkled, one use) black and lt gray robes from 3-4yrs ago. If they were the expensive robes worn at unis that are only loaned the day of and returned, I would understand. (shrugs)

[Saharapost]

Hmmmm, that's interesting, I did not attend two ceremonies and received my cap/gown and all extras (programs, honors cords) for both. Whether you've already RSVPd or not, contact the graduation specialist and let her know you will not be attending but would like your cap/gown, program, etc, mailed to your home address. I was told the package is mailed after ceremony. Guessed everything was shipped directly to the site and garments for the students who had not attended were taken back to the college and mailed.


Edit to add:
To save funds, they may now only send to non-attending students who ask since technically the cost is included in the graduation fee. But for those who do not know...why not pocket a few nickels.


I checked last years pic and those are the very same affordable (wrinkled, one use) black and lt gray robes from 3-4yrs ago. If they were the expensive robes worn at unis that are only loaned the day of and returned, I would understand. (shrugs)

Here, I found TESC's Facebook response. Unless I am misinterpreting the post...

...As for the cords and tassels, unless you submitted a commencement attendance form, we order grads' academic regalia based upon the 'yes' responses.

Edit: I have just submitted a ticket to the Registrar's office. Hoping to get a response anytime from Monday. I'll provide an update.

[bricabrac]

Maybe they are trying to save a few bucks or at the very least time, labor and delivery costs. Just let them know you are not attending but would like the items mailed to your home.

I cannot imagine those who've received honors recognition not receiving their cords along with the certificates. I would bet TESCs grads are mostly out of state students. Something is missing in the language.

[Tex]

Maybe they are trying to save a few bucks or at the very least time, labor and delivery costs. Just let them know you are not attending but would like the items mailed to your home.

I cannot imagine those who've received honors recognition not receiving their cords along with the certificates. I would bet TESCs grads are mostly out of state students. Something is missing in the language.

Sounds to me like this is how it should be interpreted:

"...As for the cords and tassels, unless you submitted a commencement attendance form, we order grads' academic regalia based upon the 'yes' responses."

If you want cords and tassels but are not attending, you must submit a commencement attendance form stating that you won't be attending but you must also mark your academic regalia. Otherwise, they just won't order/send you any.

Or at least that's how I take it. The key word there is "unless," which signifies that there is a qualifier for getting cap and gown (sending in the form, regardless of if you're attending or not).

[bricabrac]

Just checked and the website does not seem to be streaming the video. Maybe no longer airing publically and required an invite to grads only. Did anyone receive an email invitation?


Edit to add:
FR: Thomas Edison State College
Hi XXX, We aren't able to broadcast or live stream the ceremony, but we are filming it and will post it online this week.


Wow, guess they are really cutting back! Makes me rethink my cap/gown comment as well. Fingers crossed someone at the office can get you something mailed out. Should we blame the PPC tuition plan? Just being facetious, or not.:ack:

[Saharapost]

...
Wow, guess they are really cutting back! Makes me rethink my cap/gown comment as well. Fingers crossed someone at the office can get you something mailed out. Should we blame the PPC tuition plan? Just being facetious, or not.:ack:

I got a response from TESC regarding the ticket I raised. It suggests that TESC no longer mails graduation robes to those who don't attend graduation.

Solved:

(9/25/2014 2:00 PM EDT)
Thank you for your email.

You must attend commencement to receive a cap and gown, but we can mail out the program and tassel to you. It will go out in this week's mail.

[bricabrac]

Well, this really sucks.:mad: I have to agree with Tex's comment as a possible work 'round so they will order the grad kit. I find this practice unfair since the cost is included in the grad fee. So if the student does not attend do they receive a portion of the fee back in a refund check? Just saying (shrugs), it would be only fair considering.