Pushing graduation date back...

[Whiskas]

Would you push your graduation date back by two months just to be able to walk across the stage? I was supposed to graduate this semester but due to last minute emergencies, I was not able to make the long trip to my school to participate in the commencement ceremony. I've been in school off and on for the past 8 years and finally completing my degree is a big accomplishment to me. For the past year I have really been working hard to finish this spring. On top of the 18 hours I was taking through my school, I completed 15 hours in DSST tests and a UExcel exam in less than a month. My school only holds one commencement ceremony in the Spring for all graduates. When I contacted my advisor, she informed me that I would not be eligible to participate in next year's ceremony. Although I've technically fulfilled all degree requirements, I'm seriously contemplating pushing back my graduation until July. I don't have any plans to attend grad school so it's not like I have the completion of a higher degree to look forward to. I just don't know what to do. I thought about writing the dean pleading my case but that's not a guarantee. Would I regret this for the rest of my life?

[UptonSinclair]

Ultimately, you are the only person who can answer your question. Walking across the stage does not make you a college graduate. Finishing the courses and receiving your diploma make you a college graduate. If it were me, I would finish, get my diploma, and pose for some nice pictures to post on Facebook. I plan to forego my graduation ceremony just because I am too cheap to spring for airline tickets and hotel costs. I would rather spend that money on a nice weekend with my wife.

[alleycat]

As Upton said it is your choice on how to proceed. If it is important to you than what's a month or two waiting for it. I will be attending my next graduation come rain or shine. I did not attend my others. So I understand how you feel. I believe EC will allow people that previously graduated to attend graduation later on when ever they can. Sort of nice that they would include prior graduates in that your commencement.

[soliloquy]

I'd write the dean to see what he/she has to say. I'd send a letter with just as much passion as you've put into that post. I personally wouldn't push it back but it's up to you. They don't give you your diploma when you walk - you get that later. You'd be pushing back your graduation two months for a ceremony that will last about 3 hours and only 15 seconds of that will you be walking across a stage. Again, it is up to you but that's the way I look at it. I am in the same predicament. My graduation is in August, I'm not eligible this year in May. I won't be walking next year either. But, I will be taking myself on vacation.

I have a cousin who "walked" but still hasn't graduated because she owes the school a few thousand dollars. Had she stayed at home she could have saved the money and had her degree. Now she's "walked" but doesn't have her degree.