Good morning,
Sounds like there are discussions afoot that students (2 year especially) cannot afford to pay to graduate and thus, are not getting their degrees. I have not seen evidence of that here; and if someone truly has a hardship, we have a process by which to assist. I’ve offered to let them cover the costs instead of charging the student fee. J
That said… the cost at MSUB (or MSUB CC) is $50 per diploma; currently paid upon submission of the graduation application. We do still accept the application if the student has not paid; we just do not mail the diploma until that details is handled. The cost has been this way for at least 10 years – predating my tenure as the Registrar here.
Our costs go toward covering (allow me to note that they do not, in any manner FULLY cover these costs):
· Rental and associated costs (sound, security etc…) of the graduation ceremony venue (ie. Metrapark)
· Labor (our facilities staff does a fair amount of hauling equipment to the off campus site and setting up/tearing down)
· Speaker (fees, travel, lodging)
· Printing (I think our programs are elegant; and are keepsakes. That costs $$)
· Catering (we provide breakfast for all faculty/dignitaries)
· Hosted Meal for all graduates and families post ceremony (usually BBQ type)… ie. catering costs for close to 1,000 who attend
· Floral arrangements for décor
· Diploma Covers
· Diploma inserts themselves
· Mailing/Postage (of diplomas; and honor cords for those who do not attend the ceremony)
· Honor cords
· Plaques (engraved for Summa)
· Drycleaning (we pay to press the entire platform party regalia); we also have to replace some of our gowns for the honor group that serve as the Ivy Guard; and purchase new banners each time there is a name change for a college; campus; and for the graduating class year
· Seals/Imprinting (for diplomas; honors certificates)
· Copy, supply, printing charges for assorted items
· And…………………… salaries to employ the exemplary personnel to manage this fun
Cheri
From: MACRAO Listserv [mailto:MACRAO@LISTSERV.GFCMSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Dena Wagner-Fossen
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 6:15 PM
To: MACRAO@LISTSERV.GFCMSU.EDU
Subject: graduation fee question
I have been asked to find out if any of you charge a graduation fee and if so how much and what those funds are used to pay for.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Have a great End of the Term as well as Happy Holidays to you all. And in case you are in need of a laugh this time of year…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYFV3cv3wlU ~d
Please note the new e-mail address below to reflect our recent name change to Great Falls College MSU
Dena Wagner-Fossen
Registrar
Great Falls College MSU
2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: (406) 771-4312 or 1-800-446-2698 ext 4312
FAX: (406) 771-4329
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