In this Issue: today we talk a little bit about the emotions and experiences of Commencement.
We sent some important Commencement guest information to all P’25 families with graduates yesterday (and if you have not read those, please do!) Here are a few additional tips – more on the emotional aspect of making Commencement weekend a more enjoyable process for all, but a couple of practical, tactical reminders too.
Be patient – with literally thousands of families and guests coming to campus, there will be times where you encounter a line, or have to wait for something. Or maybe someone in your family (or your graduate!) is running late. In those moments, if you can show grace vs irritation, your family will likely have a more pleasant experience.
Understand your graduate may act a little differently – they might be excited, or nervous, or dreading saying goodbye to their friends, or feeling pressure to do family things and friend things at once. Every graduate will have their own wants and needs this weekend, and every family too. Be there with a supportive hug when needed, and let your graduate have their own time when needed.
Follow all Commencement guidelines. There is a clear bag policy and a prohibited items list. During University Commencement, we ask families to observe the rope barricades and ask that you don’t enter the center aisle and the platform/stage.
Stay hydrated, pack a snack – while there will be some food/drink on sale on the Quad (cash only), if you are the kind of person who likes to have a drink and/or snack option with you at all times, bring a reusable water bottle and refill at the water stations on campus, and pack a snack of choice. If the weekend turns out to be warm and sunny, we don’t want anyone to get overheated or run into a low blood sugar situation. Campus dining halls are not open during the weekend (because families typically like to go out to have family dinners), so be prepared for that.
Take pictures. There will be official Commencement pictures taken (and we ask that you stay clear of the aisles and the stage as your Deac walks across as their name is called). But there will be a million other opportunities to take pictures – of your Deac individually, and as a family, especially with grandparents if they are here. Graduation is a major milestone in your student’s life and transition to full adulthood. Your graduate will want to remember this day, and so will you.
Have fun! This is a tremendous accomplishment for your student to be graduating from college. Celebrate! Be excited! Show your pride! Go to the Departmental Open Houses and meet the faculty that made an impression on them. Spend time with your student’s friends and see their ‘chosen family’ they’ve surrounded themselves with at Wake.
