2008 Woodie Awards
Not much of a wait until graduation 2008
After years of hard work and preparation, this year's seniors approach May 10 graduation ceremonies; last-minute problems common and students are encouraged to apply for graduation after earning 90 credits
by Shannon Keller
Issue date: 5/1/08
Section: Campus News
For many, years of hard work and memorable experiences of college culminate into a few simple minutes, a walk across stage, a cap and gown and a document in hand.
Minnesota State's graduating students will walk with their diplomas May 10 in Bresnan Arena. According to the Graduation Services website, tickets are not required to attend the commencement ceremony. There is plenty of general seating for all guests, but seating is on a first-come first-served basis.
Throughout the day, three separate commencement ceremonies will be held in Bresnan. During each ceremony, students from two of the six colleges will receive their diplomas. In addition, graduating students will be honored during pinning or hooding ceremonies. A hooding ceremony recognizes graduate students who have successfully completed their programs.
Graduation day will begin with the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Bresnan Arena will open at 8 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Also at 9 a.m. the College of Education and the College of Allied Health and Nursing will have its pinning and hooding reception in CSU 150 before the ceremony at noon. The College of Education will have its hooding ceremony 9 a.m. in the Performing Arts Recital Hall where students who are receiving their masters degree, specialist degree or Sixth Year Certificate will be participating in a hooding ceremony.
"The Elementary Education Program is not easy by any means. I was expected to put forth my very best effort to ensure that when I do leave here I am prepared to teach children how to become successful in all aspects of life," said graduating student Scott Pick.
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences will hold its hooding and pinning ceremony at 12:15 p.m. in the CSU Ballroom, followed by the graduation at 3 p.m. After the ceremony, the College of Business will have their reception at the Highland Center Atrium.
A commencement brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CSU Heritage Room for anyone attending and participating in the ceremonies during the day. After all the ceremonies and receptions, students can begin the real work.
"I am sad to go, but I am excited about what the future holds and am happy to open the next chapter of my life," said Laura Aldorfer, graduating in clinical laboratory science and medical technology. "I feel I have become a well-rounded individual."
As of Tuesday, there were 1,370 candidates for graduation, "and that number has gone down since the day before because students realized they won't be graduating until summer or fall 2008," said associate registrar Marcius Brock.
According to Brock, it isn't uncommon for a student to realize at the last minute he or she isn't quite ready to graduate.
"They realize that they still need to take a few credits or something else happens and they won't be able to get their diploma," he said. "We'll still let them walk with the other students and celebrate with their families, but after celebrating they'll have to get back to work to graduate."
Brock said that normally 1,100 to 1,400 students graduate each semester and this year's figures are still changing. Although the Office of the Registrar doesn't keep a precise number of graduating students from each college, these figures - along with an exact total of graduates - can be found about a month after the actual ceremony.
"Since the situation where students don't receive their actual diploma until after graduation happens so often, we strongly encourage students to turn in their applications one year before their graduation date," Brock said. "Once your total number of credits gets into the 90s, it's time to start applying."
Even though the graduation process can be difficult, the work leading up to graduation can be stress-filled and exhausting. But in the end, the hard work pays off.
"I've worked really hard during my four years at MSU, and now it is time to put what I learned into action," Pick said. "Also, I've been excited to get my own classroom ever since I came to MSU, and now that I am wrapping up my time at MSU I can really start seeing myself teaching in a classroom of my own."
Shannon Keller is a Reporter staff writer
Minnesota State's graduating students will walk with their diplomas May 10 in Bresnan Arena. According to the Graduation Services website, tickets are not required to attend the commencement ceremony. There is plenty of general seating for all guests, but seating is on a first-come first-served basis.
Throughout the day, three separate commencement ceremonies will be held in Bresnan. During each ceremony, students from two of the six colleges will receive their diplomas. In addition, graduating students will be honored during pinning or hooding ceremonies. A hooding ceremony recognizes graduate students who have successfully completed their programs.
Graduation day will begin with the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Bresnan Arena will open at 8 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Also at 9 a.m. the College of Education and the College of Allied Health and Nursing will have its pinning and hooding reception in CSU 150 before the ceremony at noon. The College of Education will have its hooding ceremony 9 a.m. in the Performing Arts Recital Hall where students who are receiving their masters degree, specialist degree or Sixth Year Certificate will be participating in a hooding ceremony.
"The Elementary Education Program is not easy by any means. I was expected to put forth my very best effort to ensure that when I do leave here I am prepared to teach children how to become successful in all aspects of life," said graduating student Scott Pick.
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences will hold its hooding and pinning ceremony at 12:15 p.m. in the CSU Ballroom, followed by the graduation at 3 p.m. After the ceremony, the College of Business will have their reception at the Highland Center Atrium.
A commencement brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CSU Heritage Room for anyone attending and participating in the ceremonies during the day. After all the ceremonies and receptions, students can begin the real work.
"I am sad to go, but I am excited about what the future holds and am happy to open the next chapter of my life," said Laura Aldorfer, graduating in clinical laboratory science and medical technology. "I feel I have become a well-rounded individual."
As of Tuesday, there were 1,370 candidates for graduation, "and that number has gone down since the day before because students realized they won't be graduating until summer or fall 2008," said associate registrar Marcius Brock.
According to Brock, it isn't uncommon for a student to realize at the last minute he or she isn't quite ready to graduate.
"They realize that they still need to take a few credits or something else happens and they won't be able to get their diploma," he said. "We'll still let them walk with the other students and celebrate with their families, but after celebrating they'll have to get back to work to graduate."
Brock said that normally 1,100 to 1,400 students graduate each semester and this year's figures are still changing. Although the Office of the Registrar doesn't keep a precise number of graduating students from each college, these figures - along with an exact total of graduates - can be found about a month after the actual ceremony.
"Since the situation where students don't receive their actual diploma until after graduation happens so often, we strongly encourage students to turn in their applications one year before their graduation date," Brock said. "Once your total number of credits gets into the 90s, it's time to start applying."
Even though the graduation process can be difficult, the work leading up to graduation can be stress-filled and exhausting. But in the end, the hard work pays off.
"I've worked really hard during my four years at MSU, and now it is time to put what I learned into action," Pick said. "Also, I've been excited to get my own classroom ever since I came to MSU, and now that I am wrapping up my time at MSU I can really start seeing myself teaching in a classroom of my own."
Shannon Keller is a Reporter staff writer
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