Celebrating graduations: balancing joy and respect

Graduation ceremonies are a time for celebration, but how can we ensure that all graduates receive the recognition they deserve? Monishka Govender explores the balance between exuberant celebrations and maintaining the dignity of the occasion, featuring insights from education activists and university officials

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ACCORDING to educational expert Hendrick Makane graduation ceremonies have "become more about loud celebrations than dignified events".

"As an education activist, I believe these ceremonies should maintain a level of respect and decorum, allowing all graduates to feel celebrated and honoured.

"Excessive noise and disruptions can overshadow other graduates’ achievements. Graduation ceremonies are a time to acknowledge individual accomplishments, and loud outbursts can detract from this," said Makaneta.

He said that loud noise could also detract from the dignity of the ceremony.

"Graduation is a significant milestone, and maintaining a respectful atmosphere ensures the event's gravity is preserved. To maintain dignity, graduates and families should respect the stage by being mindful of noise levels.

"But equally they must avoid excessive noise that might disrupt the ceremony by respecting the proceedings. It is very important to follow the ceremony's structure and timing. The other thing is to consider others, including fellow graduates and guests, ensuring they too can also celebrate their achievements."

He said that some celebrations, which could make others feel uncomfortable, should be left for home.

"It's advisable for graduates and families to reserve their most exuberant celebrations for after the formal ceremony or at home. This allows the graduation ceremony to maintain its dignity, while still permitting joyful expressions of achievement," he said.