Each graduation season, some students decide to forgo walking because of the rising costs associated with the event.
Although the numbers are rising each semester, University Registrar Michael George said about 70-75 percent of students walk in the May ceremony, 55-60 percent in August and 65-75 percent in December. Nevertheless, even if students decide to skip the walking experience, each student must still pay a fee to officially graduate, George said.
“The graduation fee is $36 for undergraduates and $41 for graduates,” Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, said. “There is a $40 charge for each replacement or duplicate diploma ordered.”
On top of this cost, students must also purchase a cap and gown set from the SUPeStore, which starts at $44.95. To reflect their individual college, students can also opt to buy a Bachelor’s tassel for $8.00, according to the SUPeStore website. Optional items students can purchase, such as graduation announcements, start around $100 for a basic package from the University.
Margaret Coats, a senior majoring in management and marketing, said she decided not to walk at her graduation because she didn’t want to pay for robes and everything else that went with it.
“It’s ridiculous that I can’t even get out of the University without paying more money,” Coats said. “The cost is relatively nominal compared to the overall cost of tuition, but you’d think they could give us a little break for graduating.”
Coats said she also decided to miss walking this year because she’s going to graduate school in the fall.
“It’s not like walking for me would symbolize any sort of end,” she said.
Ryan Flamerich, who will walk this May with a degree in chemical engineering, said he was most concerned with the fees that are required of all students who graduate regardless of if they walk.
“I think certain fees that are not necessarily required such as for your cap and gown are fair,” Flamerich said. “However, I do think there should not be a processing fee for applying for graduation.
“The University should expect all students to graduate and effectively budget the resources to accommodate that reality”
