Next week, Oklahoma Christian University will graduate one of their largest classes since 2009, calling for some changes in the commencement ceremony.
To compensate for the larger graduating class, the five colleges of the university will be divided into two ceremonies. The first ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. for the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Natural and Health Sciences, followed by a meet and greet in the Lawson Commons before the second ceremony.
Then, the College of Biblical Studies, College of Business Administration and College of Engineering and Computer Sciences will begin commencement at 2:00 p.m.
This is not the first time commencements have been divided into separate ceremonies to accommodate for a larger graduation class in the Payne Athletic Center.
“It is an understatement when I say there are so many students graduating this term,” Associate Registrar Karen Driskill said. “The university has only done graduation like this only a couple times.”
In addition to the split ceremonies, graduate students will walk with their respective colleges in lieu of having their own commencement.
“Of course it is nicer and more convenient for faculty, staff and students to have one ceremony, but its just not possible with [the number] of students graduating,” Driskill said.
Some graduating seniors have stated displeasure about the different ceremonies because they don’t get to walk with all of their fellow peers, according to senior Tevin Cleveland.
“I am not very happy about going to both ceremonies,” Cleveland said. “This means I have to sit through my friend’s graduation as well as my own.”
Senior Hayley Roe said she feels the same about the graduations at different times.
“I’m actually mad about how graduation is going to be done this spring because a lot of my friends are business majors and I don’t get to graduate at the same time as them,” Roe said.
In anticipation of walking across the stage, Cleveland said he feels somewhat prepared for the real world and professional life after college.
“I feel pretty prepared entering the work force, I have learned a lot and my advisor Jody Jones — really guided me through these past four years,” Cleveland said. “It has been a fortunate thing for me.”
Cleveland said he is ready to apply what he has learned to actual business situations.
“I think it has been a challenge for me, and I haven’t actually been to a place to see what finance people do,” Cleveland said.
Roe, on the other hand, said she feels prepared for a career after graduation.
“I feel really prepared to be a nurse but at the same time, I feel like I have a lot to learn that school and classes can’t teach you that I need for job,” Roe said. “I still think it is going to be a learning experience.”
Roe said she thinks her education at Oklahoma Christian has helped her in more ways than her professional preparation.
“I’m well prepared but having the Christian background will also help with seeing people from all walks of life and being able to show compassion towards them,” Roe said.
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