In December, 2013, the Keene State College commencement policy was revised, changing the amount of credits necessary to walk on commencement day, in order to prevent students walking who may never return to finish their degree. The Equinox agrees with this alteration.

According to KSC’s Registrar’s Office, a student must have no more than 16 credits left to complete after their spring semester is finished in order to walk that May. The credits remaining would have to be finished the following summer and/or fall. Students must submit an intent to graduate form, which will evaluate if they are eligible to walk.  On Saturday, May 10, 2014, 987 students are anticipated to walk in graduation. Out of those students, 812 completed their credits last December or plan to this coming May. This means 175 students who are eligible to walk will have to return to finish their incomplete credits.

Brittany Murphy / Opinions Editor

Although no student receives his or her actual diploma on graduation day, it is still necessary for credits to be completed or in progress. It is also noted on the commencement program whether credits still need to be earned—those who have earned all their credits are recognized as so. Walking with one’s classmates is significant, yet if a plan to make those 16 or less is not met, those students should not be able to walk. We understand that circumstances arise when semesters pass that cause students to fall behind. Nonetheless, 16 credits provides a realistic framework for students to perform in. Students work hard to get to graduation. They deserve to be surrounded by fellow students who have put in an equal amount of work. It is unfair for those students who have not met the 16 credit requirements by the college to strut on stage in a cap and gown, especially when a few never return to finish their last classes. We applaud those students who will be graduating in less than three months. Earning a college degree takes dedication and discipline.

There will be some students disappointed that they do not meet the requirements in order to walk, but it is important to remember that walking across the stage commemorates the effort the individual has put in.