Most fields and institutions have their own commonly used lingo, and that’s true forthe world of education, too. Some of these terms are more straightforward than others.For example, you probably know what college graduation means—but what about commencement?If you’re suddenly second-guessing yourself, read on.
Commencement vs. Graduation
Some people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not actually synonyms. Here’swhat to know about commencement vs. graduation.
Commencement is the ceremony that honors graduating students. Commencement refers to the startof something, and in an academic context, this ceremony signifies you’re startingyour career and the next phase of your life. Students may be allowed to participatein commencement prior to completing all of their graduation requirements.
Commencement ceremonies are typically celebrations, and graduating students often invite their friends and family members to support and cheer them on. In mostcommencements, a designated speaker addresses the graduating class with a speech,and a university president, provost, or dean may hand graduates a congratulatory documentor folder as they walk across the stage. Students who have fulfilled their graduationrequirements will receive their diplomas in the mail following the ceremony.
Students may receive honors at commencement. For example, graduating students mightbe recognized as “cum laude,” “magna cum laude,” or “summa cum laude.” All of theseterms reflect high grade point averages.
Graduation means you’ve completed the requirements to earn a degree or diploma. In colleges and universities, you’re able to graduateonce you’ve:
Earned the required number of credits
Taken all the necessary courses to satisfy your major
Completed any other requirements, such as internships or service hours
Sometimes people use the phrase “graduation ceremony,” which differs from graduation.By adding the word ceremony, they’re actually referring to commencement (also called“commencement ceremony”).
Why These Terms Matter to You
It’s easy to see how commencement vs. graduation might be used to mean the same thing.But when you know what each term means, you can better understand how they’re relatedto each other and how they differ. For example, you can have one without the other.You can graduate but choose not to walk in commencement. In that situation, you meetthe requirements for your major and earn your degree and diploma, but you don’t participatein the traditional cap-and-gown ceremony.
At many colleges and universities, you can also walk in commencement without officiallygraduating. In this scenario, you may be permitted to take part in the commencementceremony with your classmates as long as you’ll meet the graduation requirements soonafter commencement.
At Azusa Pacific University, you’re invited to participate in commencement if youhave no more than three units remaining and if you’ll complete them in the term immediatelyfollowing the ceremony. Of course, you’ll also need to meet your financial obligationsand complete your service credits.
Taking the Next Step toward a Brighter Future
Graduating from college and walking across the stage in your commencement ceremonyare two different things, but they’re intertwined. College graduation marks the completionof your degree requirements, while commencement celebrates those accomplishments andlooks toward the future. If you’re interested in working toward these milestones,reach out to APU to learn more about the degrees and programs that can put you on the path to success.
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript.Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.
The main difference between a graduation speech and a commencement speech is the audience. Graduation speeches are given by students, for students, and are often filled with inside jokes and references that only the graduating class will understand.
Expert-Verified Answer. Answer: The correct phrasing would be "graduation and moving up ceremony." Since it is a joint event encompassing both graduation and moving up, the singular form "ceremony" is appropriate. If you were referring to multiple separate events, "ceremonies" would be correct.
A commencement is the act of starting out, or blazing a new trail. The suffix -ment makes the word commencement a noun — a thing, an activity, a start. The word can be used for the beginning of anything, from a business meeting to a vacation trip to a marriage. Anything that begins has a moment of commencement.
A graduation is the awarding of a diploma by an educational institution. It may also refer to the ceremony that is associated with it, which can also be called commencement, congregation, convocation or invocation. The date of the graduation ceremony is often called graduation day.
It's been used incorrectly so many times that the correct form sounds wrong, sadly. I graduated or I have graduated. Once you are a graduate the graduation is in the past. You can say “I am a graduate.” It's more likely that the questioner will be interested in the type of degree, BSc or BA and even in your subject.
Why is graduation called “Commencement?” It is, after all, a ceremony to mark the completion of something. The word reflects the meaning of the Latin inceptio – a “beginning” – and was the name given to the initiation ceremony for new graduates in medieval Europe.
A commencement speech is typically given by a notable figure in the community or a graduating student. The person giving such a speech is known as a commencement speaker.
Simply put, Commencement is a ceremony held once a year that honors students who just have or will soon graduate, which means completing all requirements of their degree program. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated.
“Congratulations” is a great basic message, and it's easy to say even if you don't know the graduate well. Here are some ideas for going a word or two beyond to warm up and personalize your congratulations. “Congratulations and BRAVO!” “This calls for celebrating!
A graduation is the awarding of a diploma by an educational institution. It may also refer to the ceremony that is associated with it, which can also be called commencement, congregation, convocation or invocation.
Commencement ceremonies are the official graduation events for the university. Commencement is open to all graduating students, regardless of what college or school they are graduating from.
If a congressman wants to start a meeting to vote on an important bill, he might say, "This meeting will begin immediately." Or, he could make the same statement in a more formal way by saying, "This meeting will commence immediately." Interestingly enough, while the word commence means to start, a commencement ...
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