While many students at Chung-Ang University graduate in August, not having a summer graduation ceremony has caused them to miss out on events that allow students to celebrate years of hard work.

Starting university in March and graduating after four years, many students are slated to finish their education in February. But there are students who choose to graduate in August for various reasons, such as qualifying for early graduation or because of additional semesters. Those who start in September, such as international students and Korean nationals who completed their entire education abroad and applied for the fall semester intake, are also groups of students that can graduate in the summer.

Summer graduation isn't something only a small number of students do, with the milestone even given the nickname "cosmos graduation," referring to cosmos flowers that bloom around that time.

Despite a number of students completing their education in August, Chung-Ang University only holds graduation ceremonies once a year, in February. This forces August graduates to wait an additional six months to participate in the ceremony.

Having to wait months to officially celebrate isn't the only downside.

The university also only offers graduation gown rental services in February. The Graduation Preparation Committee, run by the university's general student council, does provide the gown rental service in August, but rentals are limited to a smaller quantity than that offered through the service run by the school.

Having to wait until the following February to pick up graduation albums is also another hassle for August graduates.

Although Chung-Ang University doesn't have a summer ceremony, many universities in Seoul do.  

Among 16 Seoul-based universities — Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University, Korea University, Dongguk University, Sogang University, Seoul National University, the University of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan University, Sookmyung Women's University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Chung-Ang University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hanyang University and Hongik University — only Korea University and Chung-Ang University didn't have a summer graduation ceremony.

To hear what students think about graduation ceremonies and how they can be improved, the Chung-Ang Herald interviewed three students who are set to graduate this August.

Q. What are your thoughts on the fact that Chung-Ang University doesn't hold separate events for those graduating in August?

Student A: I think it's a bit disappointing. Since taking a leave of absence and returning to school is quite flexible at the university, I believe there are quite a few students who graduate in August. I'm curious about the reason for not holding a separate event, and I hope that even a small ceremony could be held in August.

Student B: Many friends around me graduate in August due to reasons such as taking leave for the military or studying for additional semesters. Of course, holding a graduation ceremony once a year doesn't significantly hurt students. But as the number of August graduates increases, the demand for [August ceremonies] also grows. I think holding two ceremonies a year should be considered.

Student C: Our school allows for flexible August graduations, so there are quite a few August graduates. I do understand that no separate ceremony is held. But it is inconvenient to have to wait another semester to participate in graduation events related to the degree ceremony.

Q. Are you able to participate in the unified graduation ceremony held in February?

Student A: I can't. I will be serving with public interest service personnel [and doing military duty], so it will be difficult to participate.

Student B: I probably won't be able to attend. I have many things to prepare for after graduation, so my schedule will be tight. Many other students who graduate in August are also preparing a lot of things before entering the real world. So it seems unclear if they can also participate in the February graduation ceremony. Personally, I don’t see much significance in waiting around six months after graduating to attend the February ceremony.

Student C: I'm not sure yet.

Q. Are the August graduates around you planning to participate in the unified graduation ceremony?

Student A: I don’t personally know anyone graduating in August, but looking back at the experiences of those around me, I don't recall any August graduates participating in the February ceremony.

Student B: Most say it’s difficult. While there might be students willing to travel a long distance and invest a significant amount of time to participate in the graduation ceremony, most of my peers are like me — spending their time preparing for the next stage after graduation.

Student C: There are many exams happening early in the year, so it's a busy season for many test-takers. So I think it will be difficult for many students to participate.

Q. How do you think things should be improved for August graduates?

Student A: Without a graduation ceremony, it doesn't feel like I've officially graduated, which is disappointing. In February, the ceremony is held on a set date, so everyone gathers in one place amid a bustling atmosphere that really feels like it's graduation season. However, in August, it doesn’t feel the same. I hope there are improvements to this.

Student B: As I mentioned earlier, the graduation ceremony is a precious memory and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While holding it once a year doesn't cause significant harm to students, it makes the August graduates miss out on an important event. Due to individual situations, the number of August graduates is increasing. I hope they receive better treatment.

Student C: I hope that there will be a graduation ceremony held in August even if the scale of the event is small. There will undoubtedly be students who can't attend in February.

This article has been contributed by Oh Su-ah of The Chung-Ang Herald, an English-language publication from Chung-Ang University.

BY STUDENT REPORTER OH SU-AH [suahoh@cau.ac.kr]