Comments on: Wednesday vs. Saturday Baccalaureate?

By: ronl

ronl — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:49:29 +0000

One of the considerations was for a single baccalaureate service on Saturday so as to have the senior class together, but to have it also broadcast in McCullough (425 seats) and Dana (275 seats), plus speakers outside the chapel. The graduating class would be in the chapel and other guests at Dana, McCullough, and outside the chapel. Still an option. RL

By: Deirdre Henderson, Parent

Deirdre Henderson, Parent — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:20:54 +0000

I have never been to a commencement weekend at any college where the baccalaureate service was Not part of the weekend’s commencement festivities– and that includes families. Our older son went to Brown where the tradition is to have the baccalaurate address the day before commencement at Providence’s historic First Baptist Meeting House, just down College Hill from the campus. The Meeting House barely accommodates the graduating class, so the service is broadcast on large screens on the campus for families. Behind every student is a family that has supported the student and should be given the opportunity to fully participate in, celebrate and enjoy the traditions of their child’s college graduation.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:37:57 +0000

wednesday= better idea. so much better.

By: ronl

ronl — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:28:35 +0000

Micah: to clarify…there is no “presidential address” at commencement. The president simply presides over the events, awarding of honorary degrees, the B.A. degrees, etc.

By: Micah Macfarlane

Micah Macfarlane — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Dear President Liebowitz,

To reiterate a lot of the things that have already been said. I think that it would be great to have the baccalaureate take place on Wednesday. There is a Presidential address at the commencement ceremony itself so this way we can have the full senior class take part in the Wednesday ceremony and the parents and students take part in the Commencement.

best,
Micah

By: Molley Kaiyoorawongs

Molley Kaiyoorawongs — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:01:39 +0000

Why not have one on Wed. for the seniors and then one on Saturday for families that would otherwise feel jipped and seniors who feel so strongly that this should be a family event that they don’t mind attending the same ceremony twice?
Alethea’s concern would then also be addressed since there would probably be more room for extended family members.

As in years past, you would be addressing an audience twice and everyone would be happy!

About Sarah Franco’s comments: I remember singing at Baccalaureate but don’t remember feeling uncomfortable (as I am singing at chapel services and Lessons and Carols). This is either due to bad memory or the fact that the ceremony really is welcoming of different faiths. I think the latter.
With regard to the prayer at graduation, however, I concur with Sarah. I remember supplications being made to a heavenly father– not something we generally have in Theravada Buddhism.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:09:11 +0000

Wednesday seems to fit the Senior Week schedule better. There are other opportunities to spend time with parents.

By: Reid

Reid — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:48:55 +0000

Our parents will have ample hours to hang out with us in the time surrounding graduation. I would really appreciate a student-attended, united ceremony pre-BBQ ribs.

By: Alethea

Alethea — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:13:11 +0000

Having been a part of Baccalaureate in the past as part of the College Choir, my vote would be for the ceremony to be on Wednesday. Baccalaureate is neat, but our parents will get to hear speeches and the school songs Sunday morning at Commencement. The schedule for graduation weekend in the past hasn’t really allowed for a lot time to have graduation parties for everyone’s families to meet. Since the class is split up in the afternoon for Baccalaureate, it makes getting everyone together sort of difficult. There are all the ceremonies on Saturday morning as well. Also, since you only get 3 Baccalaureate tickets, it only ends up being you and your parents, so the rest of your extended family isn’t included.

I like the idea of the whole class being together on Wednesday for Baccalaureate and then having Saturday afternoon free for other stuff.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:34:57 +0000

Be together as a class.