Opinion: Should Seniors Pay Graduation Fees?
posted by Shakenna Moore | April 2, 2024 | In News, OpinionI am a graduating senior, and I didn’t know where to pick up my cap and gown. I didn’t receive an email stating the information, and when I read the graduation information online, it wasn’t listed. After a lot of frustration and troubleshooting, which consisted of emails and phone calls, I took a chance and called the Registrar’s office, hoping they could help. All thanks to God, they were helpful and told me to go to the Spirit Shop. I went and was able to purchase my cap, gown and stole.
I must admit that I felt a little foolish for not knowing this information, but I’ve never graduated from this establishment before, so my lack of knowledge on the subject is just that. Immediately after, I realized that I can’t be the only one who didn’t know and there is no shame in that.
After telling my story to others, a young lady that overheard asked me to repeat where I got it from and how much it cost me. She stated that she was having trouble paying the graduation application fee.
I was immediately filled with mixed emotions. A part of me wanted to pay it for her, and the other part felt outraged that she made it to this point and now had to worry about how she was going to pay. Students work hard to accomplish this goal of successfully meeting the requirements so that they can receive their diplomas. Why is this even a thing? There are so many questions.
Why doesn’t she know who to turn to?
Why aren’t our emails flooded with step-by-step instructions on where to go and who to turn to?
I recognize that everything comes with a price tag but shouldn’t any fees necessary automatically be included with tuition?
When you’ve done the work and you make it to the end, it should be smooth sailing. There should be no worries and there should only be happiness. Let’s bring about some change.
Editor’s Note: The graduation information page can be found here, including regalia (cap and gown) information, and the commencement information can be found here.
Archive Photo Courtesy of former FSU Professor Brandi Berry
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