Ah, Dan, et al., I walk into this one cautiously.

Background, part one: I did not attend either my BA or MA graduation
ceremonies. I did attend my PhD graduation, but only because my parents (in
their 70s at the time) had come from 1,200 miles away. At that particular
graduation, there were almost no faculty members other than those with
assigned roles in the ceremony. That was ok with me. I was there for my
parents, not for faculty members.

Background, part two: For the 12 years I taught at another institution
prior to coming to UTC, I attended 24 ceremonies--12 baccalaureate
services, 12 graduation ceremonies. Attendance was required, a la Dan's
suggestion. Though I would not have chosen to attend each of these events,
I did, and, usually, I enjoyed them. However, among almost all of my
colleagues, this requirement led to indifference, cynicism, and resentment.
Some fell asleep, many carried on long-winded, half-whispered conversations
during the ceremonies, and there was a half-bitter jockeying for position
in the line-up. (Who gets to march in first? Which school or college
carries the greatest gravity?) Almost all vanished as soon as the
ceremonies ended, though many also attended the after-graduation reception
(not required).

My considered opinion: Faculty (as well as students, staff, etc.) who wish
to attend ritual ceremonies will do so when they're able. Those who do not
wish to should not be compelled. Rituals work best and mean most when
participants choose them, not when they're coerced into them.

DG

David Garrison
Professor and Head
Department of English (2703)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423 425 4238
423 425 2282 (fax)
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