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
Like many of you at Fisher, I am eagerly anticipating my graduation in May. I've worked hard for my degree and am glad that the end is finally in sight; no doubt, you can identify with me on that.
I'm curious, though, as to how many of you are aware that Fisher charges a $100 graduation fee? Haven't we paid enough? Haven't we earned our diploma simply by paying for all the classes necessary to fulfill the requirements of our chosen degree? I think we have and I'm quite sure you would agree with me on that as well.
After learning of this fee, I decided to find out why it exists, but only after first inquiring of other schools, to find out if they, too, implement this cost, or if it's just a Fisher thing.
I learned that Brockport does charge a graduation fee, but only $40, one school "mixes" their graduation fee in with other fees (they didn't specify), Nazareth charges students for their cap and gown only if they wish to participate in commencement, and the remaining schools don't charge anything.
With this knowledge, I wrote Dr. Bain a letter stating my belief that I've already paid enough to attend Fisher, that I've earned my degree and that I shouldn't be required to pay an additional $100 to get a "simple" piece of paper that verifies I completed the requirements to my degree. I also included the information regarding the other schools and their graduation-fee policy. Rick DeJesus-Rueff, VP for Student Affairs responded.
DeJesus-Rueff wrote:
With respect to the graduation fee, it has been in place since 1998. It was instituted to help cover the costs associated with commencement. Although not every college or university may charge a graduation fee, they are common. And the amount charged varies depending on how commencement is organized at a particular campus.
The $100 graduation fee Fisher charges helps cover costs associated with printing of the diploma and provision of the Diploma Jacket ($8),transcript ($4) and student regalia - robe, mortar board and hood ($57). These costs are approximately $69 per student.
I'm curious, though, as to how many of you are aware that Fisher charges a $100 graduation fee? Haven't we paid enough? Haven't we earned our diploma simply by paying for all the classes necessary to fulfill the requirements of our chosen degree? I think we have and I'm quite sure you would agree with me on that as well.
After learning of this fee, I decided to find out why it exists, but only after first inquiring of other schools, to find out if they, too, implement this cost, or if it's just a Fisher thing.
I learned that Brockport does charge a graduation fee, but only $40, one school "mixes" their graduation fee in with other fees (they didn't specify), Nazareth charges students for their cap and gown only if they wish to participate in commencement, and the remaining schools don't charge anything.
With this knowledge, I wrote Dr. Bain a letter stating my belief that I've already paid enough to attend Fisher, that I've earned my degree and that I shouldn't be required to pay an additional $100 to get a "simple" piece of paper that verifies I completed the requirements to my degree. I also included the information regarding the other schools and their graduation-fee policy. Rick DeJesus-Rueff, VP for Student Affairs responded.
DeJesus-Rueff wrote:
With respect to the graduation fee, it has been in place since 1998. It was instituted to help cover the costs associated with commencement. Although not every college or university may charge a graduation fee, they are common. And the amount charged varies depending on how commencement is organized at a particular campus.
The $100 graduation fee Fisher charges helps cover costs associated with printing of the diploma and provision of the Diploma Jacket ($8),transcript ($4) and student regalia - robe, mortar board and hood ($57). These costs are approximately $69 per student.
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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