Fisher senior takes a stand and refuses to pay the graduation fee
By Kellie Fulton, Fisher senior
Last Updated:3:30 PM EST 4/22/09 Section: Viewpoint
The remaining portion of the fee is used to help off-set costs associated with facility rental (commencement takes place at the Blue Cross Arena), refreshments provided at the post-commencement reception and other costs the College incurs when conducting commencement. Generally,the graduation fee generates approximately $85,000 towards the total cost for Commencement of approximately $185,000. As you can see, the fee pays approximately 45 percent of the cost of commencement.
Your tuition fees, which are primarily intended to pay for the cost of instruction (e.g., faculty, utilities for classrooms, and other costs associated with running the College) cover the balance of the expenses associated with commencement.
My response to what DeJesus-Rueff wrote:
You mentioned that $8 goes towards the diploma and jacket and $4 for the transcript. Okay. But then you went on to say that approximately $57 goes towards a graduate's cap and gown. If a student wishes not to attend the commencement ceremony, then why should they be required to pay for a cap and gown? Would you go into a store and buy a $60 item and then walk out without taking it with you? No, but that's exactly what Fisher is requiring graduates who don't attend the ceremony to do.
I really feel whoever implemented this cost should think this through more. For those who wish to attend the ceremony, then by all means, have them pay for their cap and gown, but for those who choose not to attend, then it just doesn't make sense to have them pay for a cap and gown that they won't be wearing.
So now that you are informed, do you agree with Fisher's graduation fee policy? I'm guessing not, so I'm encouraging you undergraduates, those who are in the class of 2010 and later, to take action and get this fee removed, or at least the cost for the cap and gown if you're not attending commencement. Many of my classmates were not aware of this fee until I told them of it.
I stood firm for what I believe to be right and did not pay the graduation fee. Some, or even maybe most of you, may feel that my decision is foolish, that since I'm this close to "freedom," that I should just pay it and leave it alone, accept it with the idea that there is nothing I can do, but I can't. When I firmly believe something to be right or wrong, unless I'm forced to go against what I believe I should do, I stand my ground.
So while you soon-to-be-alumni can state on your resume that you graduated from Fisher in 2009, for "legal" purposes, I can only state that I completed the requirements for my degree.
Hopefully, this will not become an issue with a future employer, but rather they will understand my stance and still hire me.
Better yet, though, would be that someone in an administrative position awill realize the graduation fee isn't fair and send me my diploma, the one that I earned.
Your tuition fees, which are primarily intended to pay for the cost of instruction (e.g., faculty, utilities for classrooms, and other costs associated with running the College) cover the balance of the expenses associated with commencement.
My response to what DeJesus-Rueff wrote:
You mentioned that $8 goes towards the diploma and jacket and $4 for the transcript. Okay. But then you went on to say that approximately $57 goes towards a graduate's cap and gown. If a student wishes not to attend the commencement ceremony, then why should they be required to pay for a cap and gown? Would you go into a store and buy a $60 item and then walk out without taking it with you? No, but that's exactly what Fisher is requiring graduates who don't attend the ceremony to do.
I really feel whoever implemented this cost should think this through more. For those who wish to attend the ceremony, then by all means, have them pay for their cap and gown, but for those who choose not to attend, then it just doesn't make sense to have them pay for a cap and gown that they won't be wearing.
So now that you are informed, do you agree with Fisher's graduation fee policy? I'm guessing not, so I'm encouraging you undergraduates, those who are in the class of 2010 and later, to take action and get this fee removed, or at least the cost for the cap and gown if you're not attending commencement. Many of my classmates were not aware of this fee until I told them of it.
I stood firm for what I believe to be right and did not pay the graduation fee. Some, or even maybe most of you, may feel that my decision is foolish, that since I'm this close to "freedom," that I should just pay it and leave it alone, accept it with the idea that there is nothing I can do, but I can't. When I firmly believe something to be right or wrong, unless I'm forced to go against what I believe I should do, I stand my ground.
So while you soon-to-be-alumni can state on your resume that you graduated from Fisher in 2009, for "legal" purposes, I can only state that I completed the requirements for my degree.
Hopefully, this will not become an issue with a future employer, but rather they will understand my stance and still hire me.
Better yet, though, would be that someone in an administrative position awill realize the graduation fee isn't fair and send me my diploma, the one that I earned.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Korina Kavanagh
posted 1/23/10 @ 12:04 AM EST
I am seeking assistance also, except my graduation fee is $250!!! I can't afford it, they won't even tell me what it's for and it's an online university I attend. (Continued…)
Maria Pietras
posted 1/31/10 @ 4:15 PM EST
To Kelly Fulton, I am the parent of a St. John Fisher Junior and recently read your article. I applaud you for stepping up on this issue which to some, may not be an issue, but for most is a genuine concern in today's economy. (Continued…)
Nadine
posted 3/16/10 @ 11:17 AM EST
Hey, good for you for standing up for what is right. It sickens me how these colleges get away with charging unnecessary fees just to make more money. (Continued…)
anonymous
posted 3/28/10 @ 6:09 PM EST
I understand that paying the $150 might seem like too much money for you to pay at the moment, but why would you put your ENTIRE future in jeopardy after spending four years working your butt off to get this degree? I understand that you have your principals and are doing what you think is right, but in a tough job market employers could easily hire someone who is just as qualified with a diploma, so before its too late- pay the fee!
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