???As graduation looms around the corner for many seniors, they are questioning the process of commencement before the start of their future.
???Many undergraduates have important questions about the commencement event. Tough questions like what comes next after graduation, and about simple things, including where cap and gowns can be purchased.
???For Lisa Nelson, a senior linguistics major, there are many reasons to participate in the commencement.
???"I invested so much on education and I plan [on] continuing on to graduate school," Nelson said.
???Commencement is a chance to showcase the accomplishment of a college education, said Sonia Marinaccio, the assistant director of the Office of Special Events, via e-mail.
???"Graduation is a way to be recognized and celebrated by your university community, your classmates, family and friends, for your hard work and achievement," Marinaccio.
???Graduation is the acknowledgment of the work students have done throughout their time here at UB. It is an event that appreciates students' efforts and contributions throughout the years.
???"It's a special memory that graduates cherish," Marinaccio said.
?? Frank Acheampong, a senior biomedical science major, says that graduation has always been more of a goal.
???"That's what I came here for," Acheampong said.
???Many family members also value the graduation ceremony, but the four-ticket limit for guests of each graduating student may impact their ceremony experience.
???"I do need more tickets because of my obnoxiously large family, but I understand UB's population." Nelson said.
???There is no exception to the four-ticket limit, but there is another option for extra guests available to students.
???"Additional guests may watch the ceremony live on the big screen, next door at the CFA. No tickets required for that," Marinaccio said.
???For some ceremonies, there is not a ticket limit due to the amount of students graduating in that organization. For example, the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences does not have any limit of how many guests students can bring.
???"I can bring anyone I want to graduation," Acheampong said.
???Another concern is where and when to get caps and gowns for graduation. Both are located in the University Bookstore on North Campus, through May 9.
???A graduating student may question where and when commencement is being held, along with its length.
???"University Commencement is Sunday, May 10 at 10 a.m. in Alumni Arena. Ceremony just for undergrads in College of Arts & Sciences. The ceremony is approximately two hours long," Marinaccio said.
???As for the date being held on Mother's Day, there is no worry to Lisa Nelson.
???"I'm still getting her tulips," Nelson said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
