Collegiate Times

As we approach the end of this first Summer Session, we must not forget that these are also the last school days for several hundred Virginia Tech students that will officially graduate upon the completion of exams on Monday, July 6.

These are also the last school days for several hundred Virginia Tech students that will officially graduate upon the completion of exams on Monday, July 6.

While some may have participated in the May commencement ceremonies or plan to come back for the Fall ceremonies, some will be content to get their diploma in the mail and move on with their endeavors. Some may turn around and begin graduate school in the fall or immediately begin their professional careers.

There are many reasons as to why individuals need to the summer time to complete courses for graduation. While some may look down upon these students, each circumstance is different and is valid. It could be that someone changed a major and needed extra classes, perhaps some took advantage of a study abroad or an internship and needed the extra time, to those that maybe did not perform as well the first time, and had to retake some courses.

The interesting thing is that many students try to avoid the option of the summer. Academic offices in April can be frantic places with pending graduates trying to ensure that they have the necessary credits needed and are going to pass their classes. I have witnessed when a student finds out that they need one more credit to graduate and their struggles to find a suitable resolution that does not involve the summer.  Some are successful in finding a solution. while others have no other option but the summer. In the end, the summer session provides students with the opportunity to graduate.

The sad thing is that there is no elaborate ceremony or celebrative activity for these summer graduates. They have the option to participate in the prior May ceremonies or in the winter graduation ceremony in December. In looking at the issue, we found out that Virginia Tech has never had a summer commencement ceremony.  It raises the question of whether or not this makes sense or not. A lot of it would depend on the numbers, but also on the logistical considerations. The transition from Summer II to the fall semester is often rather tight for the university and it would be interesting to see if this could ever be done.Regardless of how long it takes or when it happens, graduating from Virginia Tech is an accomplishment that should not be taken lightly.

Regardless if it is December, May or the summer, all that matters is that these students have graduated. If you know of someone that is about to graduate, congratulate them on their achievement and wish them the best. While there is not the hoopla surrounding the other commencement ceremonies, they have made it and deserve the recognition.

Ray Plaza serves as the Special Projects Coordinator in Academic Support Services.