Graduation ceremonies are significant occasions in the academic journey of students, earmarking the culmination of years of thorough academic work and dedication. Graduation ceremonies have a strong historical yardstick, well rooted in the traditions of medieval European universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Bologna and the University of Cambridge, who began holding formal ceremonies to confer degrees on students in the 12th Century, these ceremonies were sacred in nature, marking the transition of students into a professional and learned community. The use of gowns can be traced back to the same period when scholars began to wear robes as a symbol of their academic achievements and to signify their status as members of the intellectual elite. Graduation ceremonies’ significance goes beyond the mere act of being conferred a degree or diploma. They serve as a rite of passage, celebrating the climax of years of rigorous study and personal growth. Graduation ceremonies are rich in tradition and splendor, where students and faculty don ornate robes and gowns. Beneath these elegant garments, they showcase their finest attire, an array of suits, and stunning formal dresses, representing the best from their wardrobes, an occasion of sheer pageantry. Graduates have since time immemorial clothed themselves in their finest attire, honoring the significance and status of the occasion. The attire that graduates choose to wear beneath their gowns is crucial, as it should personify the significance of the convocation and the gown itself. Formal clothing not only augments the overall appearance but also signifies respect for the occasion. Wearing formal clothing demonstrates a commitment to the event and acknowledges the presence of esteemed guests, such as university officials and dignitaries. Ultimately, the clothes worn under the gowns should resonate with the honor and prestige associated with graduation, making the occasion truly grand and memorable. Habits of wearing athletic shoes or casual sandals do not align with the formal nature of the event, while jeans can be stylish, they are generally too informal for such a significant occasion, khakis are woefully inappropriate, draping clothing is also dishonorable, lightweight summer dresses that are too casual do not reflect the solemnity of the ceremony, overly revealing attire, outfits that are too short, low-cut, or revealing do not convey the respect due the occasion, heavy accessorizing is unnecessary. This shift in dress code reflects a broader cultural trend where traditional values are sometimes eclipsed by modern attitudes. While it is essential to embrace individuality, it is equally important to recognize the historical and cultural significance of graduation ceremonies. As society evolves, it is vital to find an equilibrium between personal expression and the respect that graduation ceremonies deserve, ensuring that the worth of these gatherings is sustainably upheld. They should aim to dress appropriately and in a manner that reflects the esteemed status of the convocation. The prestige and honor associated with this occasion seem to be waning. The dressing of graduates in semi-formal and informal attire raises concerns about the respect and significance attributed to the ceremony. This casual approach to dressing for the occasion undermines the gravity and importance of the ceremony, reducing it to a mere formality. It also echoes a lack of respect for the academic tradition and the institution conferring the degrees. Moreover, in recent times, there seems to be a decline in respect and participation from graduates, evident in the increasing number of graduates who fail to attend the ceremony. This trend is often accredited to the rising costs of attending the ceremony, as well as the perceived lack of relevance of the occasion. THE DECLINE OF STATUS AND ATTENDANCE OF GRADUATION CEREMONY Graduation ceremonies in early years were ceremonies for the few elites in society, hence the ceremony came with the highest prestige. The more accessible education became, the wider the graduation door opened. Education is indisputably very essential to every society, and as the common saying reiterates, education is a right, not a privilege. As with multiple facets of civilization, the more people can access what was once a rarity, the more the thing, concept or event loses its essence and becomes very trivial. It is therefore understanding that most young people treat graduation ceremonies as casual events in recent times. The high cost associated with graduation ceremonies has also contributed to the decline in attendance. Nearing the end of their tertiary education, young people are forced to come to terms with and take full responsibility for their lives. That aside, in most schools, all debts have to be settled before students are allowed to graduate. Add all that to the mandatory graduation fees to be paid and interest decreases. As stated earlier, graduation ceremonies mark a significant milestone in the lives of young people and usher them into the next levels of their lives. It is a way to blow the horn and let the world know, that people have subjected themselves to years of training, shown remarkable resilience, commitment, and dedication, and have been successful. Graduation ushers students into the world, “the real world” as it is often referred to. It is the introduction of students into the workforce. However, as has unfortunately been the case in recent times, people come to a halt after their graduation ceremonies. The job sector in Ghana has become very dense over the years, with tens of thousands of graduates competing for the few available slots. With the glaring possibility of unemployment, graduation ceremonies are rendered irrelevant to some people. Regardless of all these, every milestone has to be celebrated. It helps to measure how far one has gotten in their journey. Graduation ceremonies do more than just that, they serve as a reminder of the results, resilience and commitment can bring. In conclusion, the graduation ceremony is a time-honored tradition that deserves to be treated with prestige and honor. Wearing appropriate and formal clothing helps graduates present themselves as professionals, underscoring the gravity of the ceremony. An appropriate attire compliments the gravity of the occasion. As such, it is imperative that graduates, institutions, and society as a whole work assiduously to preserve the dignity and importance of the graduation ceremony, and to ensure that it continues to be a meaningful and celebratory occasion for all stakeholders. By; Saeed M.D Nazir & Janice Opoku-Agyemang
