Graduating from an online university can be surprisingly depressing. You’ve worked hard, done well in your classes, and have truly earned your degree. But, without the traditional cap-throwing, gown-wearing, sappy music-playing graduation ceremony, finishing coursework can sometimes feel anticlimactic. But, don’t let that get you down. Many online graduates find their own way to celebrate. You may want to give one of these unique celebrations a try:
1. Throw your own ceremony or party. If you can’t attend a traditional ceremony, why not throw your own? Choose a theme, send out invitations, and celebrate your accomplishments with your best friends. Be sure to have your diploma on the wall to show interested guests. Then, spend the evening with upbeat music, good food, and interesting conversation.
2. Take a trip. Chances are that you’ve put off some of your vacationing desires in order to finish your educational commitments. But, now that you’re finished with school, take some time to do what you’ve always wanted. Whether it’s a cruise of the world, a vacation to Maui, or a weekend at a local bed and breakfast, you deserve it.
3. Splurge on a career related activity. Did you pass up going to an amazing business conference, becoming a member of an elite art museum, or subscribing to a career journal because you needed the money and time for your schooling? If so, now is your chance to celebrate by ordering tickets, planning your trip, or signing up. Not only will you enjoy it, but it may provide unexpected opportunities to progress in your field of work.
4. Renovate your study. Since you’ve finished with the late nights on the computer and the “Stay Out” signs on the door, why not redecorate the room (or corner) you’ve always used to study. If you have a big space, consider turning it into a parlor for entertaining, a home theater, a game room, or home spa. Or, if you made your homework habitat in a little corner of the house, consider redecorating it with artwork, famous quotes, or posters to inspire you in your career.
5. Give Back. You’ve had amazing opportunities and your new degree promises to bring even more chances for exciting experiences. Now, consider finding a way to give back to your community. Think about volunteering at a local school, dishing out at a soup kitchen, tutoring students at the library, or reading at a neighborhood senior center. Sponsor an orphan in India or become a member of a civil rights group. Whatever you choose, giving back is sure to have real results that bring personal satisfaction.
To view Jamie’s article on About.com – click here (http://distancelearn.about.com/od/usingyourdegree/a/uniquegrads.htm?nl=1)
My husband is about to complete his master’s degree through a local university (even though he took all of his courses online and never stepped foot on campus) and just recently submitted the paperwork for his commencement. We were both a little outraged at the fact that regardless of whether he attended the commencement ceremony we still had to fork over a $100 fee. With the amount of money we’ve given them over the past few years you’d think they would waive the $100 fee if you didn’t wish to attend the ceremony. At any rate, my husband decided not to attend which somewhat surprised me and not just because of the $100 fee!
When we received our under-grad degrees commencement was a huge ordeal. It lasted nearly a week. Now, with the completion of his masters which is a BIG deal, he could care less about the “celebration”. I’m wondering if it’s because of his coursework being online. Or maybe it’s just not as important to him?
What are your thoughts? If you complete your degree or diploma online, would you attend your commencement ceremony? Granted, it can be difficult if you live out of state, but we live about 3 blocks from this particular university. For me, commencement is a big deal; it’s recognition of all your hard work to accomplish a huge goal in life. But, maybe that’s just me - what do you think?