Graduation date change 2014

tankercaptain

tankercaptain

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Interesting!


Graduation 2014 Date Change
Please see the following message from Superintendent James A. Helis:

I am writing to inform you of a schedule change in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s 2013-2014 Academic Year calendar. Graduation for the Class of 2014 will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014 instead of Monday, June 23. As it has for many years, the awards convocation would still be held on the morning of Friday, June 20. The schedule revision would add the change of command ceremony on Friday afternoon, with the June Ball on Friday evening. We anticipate that the Baccalaureate Service, previously held on Sunday morning, will be scheduled for Thursday evening. This condensed schedule will retain all of our traditional graduation events and should significantly ease the burden of paying for costly accommodations in the New York area for families and other guests.

The traditional cruise on New York harbor will be scheduled per the desires of the Class of 2014.

I wanted to let you know of this change since I know many of you are already planning ahead for this very important event. I know that the Academy staff will plan outstanding events for the Class of 2014 Commencement activities that will exceed your expectations.


James A. Helis, Ph.D.
Rear Admiral, United States Maritime Service
Superintendent
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, New York 11024
(516) 726-5812
 
I believe that this decision is a terrific one. Who wants to be involved in a four day adventure when it can all be done in two or three days?

Graduation on Monday after three days of festivities was ridiculous in my opinion.

Saturday makes so much more sense.

Great job by the new Supt!
 
Kinda Sad at Lack of Respect for a Baccalaureate

I think receiving one's baccalaureate degree should be treated with some solemnity. Receiving a military officer's commission and one's Third Assistant Engineer or Third Mate's license (or for USMMA dual majors, both), with the grave responsibilities that go with these, adds further to the significance of graduation. It seems to me the changes for 2014 diminish these events' importance.

I imagine the changes are due to the Merchant Marine Academy's ailing budget. Perhaps what is expended at USMMA is in proportion to what the larger academies spend, and the cuts are appropriate. On the other hand, if this action and the shrinking USMMA budget shows how government officials perceive the value of USMMA grads, perhaps the Academy should be shut down.

Either way I can understand how any USMMA grad or current midshipman who thought graduating was a big deal would be dismayed.
 
Law said:
I think receiving one's baccalaureate degree should be treated with some solemnity. Receiving a military officer's commission and one's Third Assistant Engineer or Third Mate's license (or for USMMA dual majors, both), with the grave responsibilities that go with these, adds further to the significance of graduation. It seems to me the changes for 2014 diminish these events' importance.

I imagine the changes are due to the Merchant Marine Academy's ailing budget. Perhaps what is expended at USMMA is in proportion to what the larger academies spend, and the cuts are appropriate. On the other hand, if this action and the shrinking USMMA budget shows how government officials perceive the value of USMMA grads, perhaps the Academy should be shut down.

Either way I can understand how any USMMA grad or current midshipman who thought graduating was a big deal would be dismayed.
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Don't let your "imagination" get the best of you as to why this is being done. Some of the reasons include the significant expense to families of grads, more efficient use of time (KP all about that anyway), and need to grab some extra days where they can as they begin shifting the academic calendar around. By the way, is there a federal institution, academic or otherwise, that is not currently dealing with some sort of budget constraint?
 
Well said AMF. The change has nothing to do with budget cuts or lack of funding. The event will be treated with the same dignity and respect that the graduates deserve, and nothing is being cut.....just condensed. :confused:eek:
 
We were there for 8 days for DS Class of 2013 Graduation. We are just now starting to feel recovered. I can't imagine condensing it any more than it already was........ What will the class of 2014 do with the Sr. Cruise? Have it on a week night instead of Friday night? It was an epic evening, and one that future classes and families should not miss! And you needed an easy Saturday morning to make it to June ball.
 
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