Pierce College’s Academic Senate defeated a proposal by one vote to split-up this semester’s graduation events on different days at their second meeting of the semester in the Great Hall on Monday, Feb. 23.
In the past, all graduation events have typically occurred on one day. But some faculty thought that having the events split-up on different days would be more beneficial, and less tiresome, than doing everyone on one day.
“It does make for a really long day to attend all three events, and splitting it up may save faculty energy,” Angela Belden, professor of psychology, said. “Plus, not all the students honored attend graduation. In fact, the majority don’t.”
The proposal was to have the student awards brunch on Monday, June 8, at 4 p.m., the faculty gala on Tuesday, June 9, at 4 p.m., and the graduation ceremony later that day at 6 p.m.
Initially, a survey of faculty and staff was conducted to determine the dates for these events. But students were not surveyed for their opinion, according to Belden. Instead, students were represented by two student representatives from the Associated Students Organization (ASO).
“That bothers me, since it’s a student event,” Joe Perret, instructor of computer applications and office technologies, said. “It is being paid for the students. I think that should be a driving decision for when it is.”
The spring, 2015, graduation, and all associated events, will take place on Tuesday, June 9.
