First computing graduates will receive recognition in 2007

(Originally published on February 20, 2006)

The fourth-year computing co-op class will not officially graduate until 2007, a decision that has several senior students talking.

The students will be completing their final eight-month study term in December 2006 and will have their official commencement ceremony the following June.

For some of the seniors, a later commencement comes as no surprise. For others, the idea of not being with the other two programs brings discomfort.

“There always could be something done,” says Terence Yip, a fourth year computing student and graduation candidate. “I’m sure you can see the sentimental value in graduating all at once.”

The idea of an earlier ceremony has been repeatedly shot down, although a “walk-through” is currently being discussed. This allows computing students to attend the June 2006 ceremony as guests and receive their documentation at a later date.

Although still not an ideal choice, some graduates like Daniel Marcoux would settle with this solution just to see his media and business friends receive their degrees and diplomas.

“At the least I would very much like to be there to see them graduate, even if I have to wait another six months,” he says.

“When I first thought of graduation, I always assumed it would be with the business and media students. Co-op putting us behind two semesters never crossed my mind.”

John Walsh, vice provost of Guelph-Humber, sympathizes with the graduates although he agrees nothing can be done about it.

“Yes, to some extent, that’s just how [the computing program] is,” he says. “But at the same time I think it’s a very, very human reaction. I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t a bit of emotion when it comes to graduation.”

He also adds that Guelph-Humber will only hold one commencement a year, although in the future he sees program-specific ceremonies occurring in one day.

The 2006 ceremony for media and business graduates will be held at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton on June 19.

Photography: Kimberly Fu

Source: The Guelph-Humber Radix, February edition