The value of graduation discussion in-person

The return of in-person thesis discussions represents a significant milestone for graduating students and their families. This traditional approach, following the extended period during which graduations were predominantly held online due to the pandemic, offers tangible benefits from emotional, symbolic, and relational perspectives.

For Graduating Students

• Recognition of Effort
  The opportunity to present one’s thesis in person restores the solemn and meaningful nature of graduation. Students can fully experience the public acknowledgment of their academic journey.
• Greater Emotional Engagement
  Presenting their work in front of the committee and loved ones makes the event more intense and fulfilling, transforming it into a true rite of passage.
• A Formative Experience
  In-person discussions allow students to refine crucial soft skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication, stress management, and direct interaction with the committee.
• Networking and Relationships
  Attending in person provides opportunities to interact with professors, peers, and guests, fostering connections and shared moments.

For Families

• Sharing the Moment
  Physically attending the thesis discussion enables families to experience the pride and satisfaction of their loved one’s accomplishment more profoundly.
• A Symbol of Completion and Success
  Being present at the venue strengthens the emotional connection compared to merely observing remotely, turning graduation into a tangible celebratory moment.
• Reunion and Social Bonding
  In-person graduations also serve as an opportunity to gather family and friends, creating a festive and communal atmosphere.

Comparison with Online Graduations

Online graduations ensured the continuity of academic milestones during a challenging time, but many felt the absence of human connection and solemnity. Key drawbacks of online graduations include:

• The lack of a formal setting to emphasize the importance of the event.
• The absence of direct interaction with faculty and peers.
• Technical or environmental issues that, in some cases, compromised the quality of the experience.

Conclusion

The return to in-person discussions highlights the human and symbolic value of graduation, going beyond the mere attainment of an academic degree. It becomes an experience that celebrates both individual and collective achievement, enriching the memory and significance of this milestone.