Graduation
is a time of high spirits, a sense of accomplishment and the pride
and inclusion of parents who have worked hard to support you in
your quest for the educational Holy Grail, your diploma.
It stands to reason that your family should be included in the celebration
and proclamation of your success, but such is not the case for many
Appalachian State University students.
In a world where approximately half of the United States population
of married couples find their marriage ending in divorce, one would
assume that a school as committed to acceptance and outreach to
all would take into consideration students coming from divorced
families.
According to statistics in Divorce Magazine, more than 1 million
children were involved in their parents’ divorce in 1997, creating
a large population of split families.
By allowing students to list only one permanent address, Appalachian
closes off a vast amount of pertinent information to families who
rightfully deserve to be informed.
I am a “divorced child,” a phrase coined representing
children of divorced parents, and Appalachian’s lack of consideration
to split families came to my attention very recently at the campus’
Grad Expo.
I was one of many who were completely uninformed regarding the graduation
package options and senior photo dates, because the information
was sent to my listed permanent address, as opposed to my campus
box.
Throughout my years at Appalachian, each report card and many pieces
of pertinent information have been sent to one set of parents, leaving
the other completely clueless, despite attempts to be involved.
Additionally, many students come from families who are not supportive
of their accomplishments. Many students pay their own ways through
college and deserve to be treated as adults when it comes to their
educations.
Many students, not only those with split families, found themselves
searching for illusive information regarding graduation purchases.
I spoke with a Jostens representative who told me they are required
to purchase a list from the registrar’s office consisting of
students’ permanent addresses, not their campus boxes.
The representative assured me they would be very receptive to the
idea of sending the information directly to the students, who, in
many cases, ultimately make the graduation purchasing decisions.
Additionally, I spoke with the registrar, Don Rankins, concerning
not only graduation information, but also the practice of sending
report cards to a permanent address.
Rankins talked about plans to cease the mailing of physical report
cards completely, making them available only through the Internet,
or in tangible form if requested.
I am not suggesting Appalachian revamp its entire network to accommodate
split families, but I would propose giving incoming students the
option of having their information sent to their campus box, as
opposed to their “home address.”
Students now have the unpublicized option of submitting a request
to the registrar to have their permanent address changed to their
campus box, but it seems that simply allowing the option would cut
through a lot of red tape.
Each of my parents has contributed greatly to my college education,
and both deserve to be equally informed.
It would stand to reason that neither be left out of this exciting
graduation process, and that I, the graduate, be given the option
of delegating significant information as I see fit. |
