Za'Nya Davis
Words by Za’Nya Davis
At Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), students have the ability to earn degrees during three terms — spring, summer and fall, but it is the college’s annual tradition to hold only one commencement ceremony in late May. For summer and fall graduates of that year, this means waiting nearly a year to walk across the stage, sporting their cap and gown, and celebrating their academic accomplishments with their loved ones. As FSCJ continues to evolve, expanding its academic offerings and becoming a state college, the development of the institution’s commencement ceremony remains stagnant. The college is confident that a single large-scale annual ceremony is the inclusive and reasonable option based on the college’s budget and venue capacity despite recent concerns.
For a more in-depth perspective, “Folio” reached out to Jill Johnson, chief communications officer at FSCJ, who provided clarity on the administration’s approach. According to Johnson, FSCJ reviews its commencement program annually, focusing on “celebration, logistics, costs and student considerations.” Every spring FSCJ hosts a large commencement ceremony that honors graduates of the summer and fall term of the previous year, as well as its current spring graduates. This approach allows for a more more inclusive experience, accommodating thousands of attendees without ticket limitations, ensuring graduates are recognized equally, Johnson clarified.
When discussing factors that lead FSCJ to continue the route of an annual commencement, Johnson explained, the planning committee annually reviews their yearly budget and location to ensure the best approach to commencement. “We focus on the student experience and the availability of a date, time and location that allows for us to maximize participation and reduce the barriers for students to participate and their guests to share in that celebration,” Johnson said. This spring, FSCJ celebrated 1,600 graduates who were also able to include their friends and families due to the lack of ticket limitations. “Should a smaller facility need to be found, we, potentially, would be unable to keep it open.” Johnson explains, meaning, with a smaller venue would come ticket limitations.
Though FSCJ administration commits to annual meetings on commencement, does its administration take into consideration student feedback or potential involvement in the discussion? When asked, Johnson explained, “We have meetings with students on campus each year with the president [of the college] where commencement is typically discussed,” she said. “Other student-led meetings with members of our leadership team take place through organizations like SGA (Student Government Association) and through student life. Commencement is often a topic and students have always been complimentary of the quality and scale of this event.”
FSCJ may not fund multiple commencement ceremonies in a single year, but its administration has made active and effective efforts to ensure the support and recognition of those who have accomplished academic achievements through their institution.
“Any student who met graduation requirements in the previous summer, fall or spring terms is invited to attend Commencement in May. We do not exclude any graduates from our annual commencement ceremony which recognizes all students who graduated that academic year.” Johnson stated. Furthermore, FSCJ provides various celebratory opportunities dependent on the program of study as well as an annual Grad Bash in May.
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