Posted by At the end of a school year, the words “graduation” and “commencement” tend to be used a lot. Many people use these two words interchangeably. However, the two words are different and distinct. We’ve outlined these differences below.
Graduation
According to Merriam-Webster.com, Graduation is defined as “the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma.”
• Graduation is the diploma/degree itself
• The moment when a student is handed their high school or college diploma
• Create custom diplomas for this special moment
• Many schools require students to complete an official graduation application with a minimum number of units, before they can receive their diploma
• Technically, graduation happens when you finally complete your degree requirements
• We recommend submitting this application at the beginning of your last term (or sooner)
“The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.”
Edward Koch
Commencement
The official definition of commencement on Merriam-Webster.com is “the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas.”
• Commencement is the actual ceremony
• Usually takes place at the close of the spring term
• The event that celebrates the completion of your degree program
• A ceremony where students, family, and faculty celebrate their accomplishments
“Commencement is not an end, but a beginning.”
Duke University 2009-2017 president, Vincent Price
Commencement is the ceremony; graduation is actually receiving the degree. That difference shows up in the graduation announcement and invitation—you announce your graduation, but you invite people to the commencement ceremony. These two words are very powerful for students. When you know the difference, you can use them correctly.