Let every graduate feel appreciated

SOME STUDENTS who will graduate from Beijing Jiaotong University this year complained that only the top 10 percent of the graduates were invited to take part in the commencement ceremony to be held in one of the university halls later this month, and that the remainder were expected to sit in their classrooms watching a live broadcast of the ceremony on TV. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

The university responded that the original plan was drawn up taking into consideration the possible weather on the date concerned and some other restrictive factors; but it admitted that the plan was not considerate toward the other students. The university has announced a new plan, that invites all graduates and their parents to participate in an outdoor graduation ceremony.

The commencement is one of the most important ceremonies of a university, and a memorable moment for graduates. By only inviting the top 10 percent of the graduates to attend the ceremony, Beijing Jiaotong University has made 90 percent of its graduates feel they are not valued and are being discriminated against.

Their graduation ceremonies reveal whether or not the universities attach any importance to their students and value their alumni.

Some universities have successfully made their commencement ceremonies unique platforms letting people know about their commitment to education, research and their social responsibilities. If a university cannot make its own graduates content with their own commencement, it will not make itself popular among the public.

The universities should pay more attention to improving their graduates’ personal sense of achievement in their ceremonies, so as to leave them with a beautiful memory and let each of them feel they are cherished.

This will also benefit the universities as more people who find success in life, even if they were not among the top 10 percent of students, will be willing to donate to their alma mater.