Ah, lovely! I remember that feeling so well. As soon as the grades were submitted, I had a ritual of clearing off my desk, filing the semester's papers, reshelving the semester's books. With every item put away, I'd feel a little bit of the year's stress disappear. When I was finished, I'd be so light-hearted that I would practically skip down the hall and out of the building.
At my college, faculty were required to attend graduation in May. My favorite moment of every year was always the instant that the faculty marshall raised the staff at the end of the ceremony, signalling the faculty to rise and process out of the graduation venue. Every step down the aisle was a step into the bliss of summer break. What a great feeling. . .better than Christmas.
I do love commencement (we are not required to attend, but attendance is
common—SLAC and all). My favorite moment is when we faculty stand to either
side of the student procession ('the gauntlet') and I get to cheer for,
hug, and congratulate my students one last time before they've actually
graduated. Always makes me teary!
And then, yes, tearing off the robe and getting to call an official start
to summer. :D
Ha! My college did "the gantlet," too! We faculty would line up along the campus paths and wait for the grads to come past. Not only was it a fun activity, but I always appreciated the chance to see/talk to my students again. The rest of the day was so busy that it was easy to miss people otherwise. I have lots of selfies taken with students from those days.
I actually enjoyed all the campus cap-and-gown rituals. We had three or four during the year -- opening convocation in August, awards day, etc. I liked the chance to show that academics and tradition were taken seriously. Plus, it was a lot of fun to stand around chatting with colleagues before the processions (and sometimes there were snacks!)
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At my college, faculty were required to attend graduation in May. My favorite moment of every year was always the instant that the faculty marshall raised the staff at the end of the ceremony, signalling the faculty to rise and process out of the graduation venue. Every step down the aisle was a step into the bliss of summer break. What a great feeling. . .better than Christmas.
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I do love commencement (we are not required to attend, but attendance is common—SLAC and all). My favorite moment is when we faculty stand to either side of the student procession ('the gauntlet') and I get to cheer for, hug, and congratulate my students one last time before they've actually graduated. Always makes me teary!
And then, yes, tearing off the robe and getting to call an official start to summer. :D
no subject
I actually enjoyed all the campus cap-and-gown rituals. We had three or four during the year -- opening convocation in August, awards day, etc. I liked the chance to show that academics and tradition were taken seriously. Plus, it was a lot of fun to stand around chatting with colleagues before the processions (and sometimes there were snacks!)
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Freedom! :)