Andrea Diaz
Reporter
Graduation is a time when many students look forward to celebrating their successes. In order to accomplish this, Idaho State University students have to pay fees and complete paperwork in order to graduate.
Students for this upcoming graduation can expect differences in the process due to COVID-19. Idaho State University is tentatively planning two in-person graduations for Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Holt Arena. Since this semester is not the only semester that has been affected by COVID-19 students from previous semesters are welcome to join. With the uncertainty of COVID-19, the university will have plans for in-person graduation or a cancellation if needed. “In the event that adjustments or cancellation of the in-person event is needed, a final decision about the spring commencement ceremony will be communicated by March 1. Please note that alternate arrangements are being made in the event that an in-person ceremony is not feasible due to COVID-19,” said Director of University Events and Protocol, Allyson Johnson.
In the event of in-person graduation, there will be precautions in place such as wearing a mask and mandatory physical distancing. “Traditional activities such as handshakes, hoodings and other ceremony staples that do not allow for social distancing will not occur. In addition, plans are being reviewed by public health officials regarding the feasibility of having an in-person audience,” Johnson said.
ISU students are required to fill out paperwork and pay a $20 fee to graduate, even if they don’t intend on going to commencement, then they can pay an additional $20 for a cap and gown. With students having to pay for these required fees the question of where the money is being used by the university may come up.
“The graduation fee that students pay is used to support the processing of graduation applications and the cost to print and mail the diplomas. Graduates do not pay a fee to the university that goes towards caps and gowns, or anything else related to the ceremony. Graduation regalia is handled by Jostens, an outside vendor,” said Johnson.
The pricing of graduation regalia has increased, however, the university isn’t responsible for the rise in pricing and it is instead the independent vendor. “The cost of regalia has likely increased over the years, but that cost is controlled by Jostens, our regalia vendor, and not by the university. Jostens is an outside vendor,” said Johnson.
ISU students that have paid for a cap and gown can pick them and any other regalia up at the ISU Bookstore during regular business hours if they are not able to attend the Grad Finale on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or Thursday, Feb. 18, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the ISU bookstore.
Important dates for graduating seniors to remember include the student speaker applications which are due March 19, 2021, RSVP Deadline for Winter Commencement April 1, 2021 and the aforementioned dates above for the Grad Finale. If students have any questions about eligibility, honors or diplomas they may contact the Registrar’s Office at (208) 282-4874, if they have any questions concerning seating, logistics, or the program they may contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at (208) 282-2930, and lastly if they have questions regarding caps, gowns or tassels they can contact the University Bookstore at (208) 282-3237.
