Hikado

Two months ago, I attended a forum meeting where we had a university representative come to make a presentation on changes the university would like to make. One of the changes proposed is to look into whether SFU should rent their graduation gear? SFU currently owns and maintains their own galleria, however, the sixty year old set is starting to become a high maintenance chore for the convocation staff members. Some of the gowns need to be sent out to be re-stitched due to wear and tear. Other gowns have holes in them. According to our speaker, the gown fabric for these graduation gowns is no longer being manufacturer, so there is no way to replace poorly damaged pieces in the collection.
The most shocking and traumatizing detail of the presentation is that our speaker revealed how all of the caps and gowns are stored in a room infested with silver fish. All of the gowns are sent to the dry cleaners to be cleaned and washed before the June Convocation ceremonies, but items such as, the caps can not be cleaned. Upon hearing this detail, I could not help but squirm in disgust.
Our university chancellor is not in favour of renting gowns because, he pointed out that the cost associated with renting gowns will most likely drive up the graduation fee thus making it difficult for some students to swallow the lavish bill. Furthermore, the Chancellor's other concern is how the university has been reusing these gowns for over sixty years. It has become a tradition to pull out those dusty, insect infested gowns out of that dark warm room for years.
While, I can understand the Chancellors thoughts on the cost factor, renting gowns can affect the cost associated with graduating. I believe it is important for students to have gowns and caps that are clean for this special occasion in their academic career. Many students will be walking across the stage for their family members or parents who may of helped contribute funds towards their education. Paying a extra bit of money would not matter when, their own child will be walking across the stage.
My major concern is how the university continues to engage in practices that are not hygienic for students to be using clothing items that could pose a bacterial or allergic risk for graduands.
The already existing galleria as stated by a university representative, can not be used for much longer. Evident tearing and the thinning of fabric are just a few of the many problems associated with maintaining these historical gowns.
Many students have been emotionally upset with the lack of cap sizes available for students to wear on the day of their ceremonies. Some graduants have been broke down into tears because, they were forced to wear an incorrect cap size during their ceremonies due to the incomplete galleria set owned by the university.
I recently visited a friend of mine who had graduated from SFU and she echoed the same concerns I have brought forward hear. She pulled out her graduation photos to show me how her head looked like a pyramid. After looking at her photos, I felt ashamed to be associated with SFU because, graduation is a one time event that students will have the opportunity to celebrate their success with their friends and family, when they walk across the stage to symbolize a right of passage from school into the workplace. Mishap such as not having the proper size cap and gowns for graduants will only intensify the anxiety and frustration students have on this special occasion while they celebrate with their family, friends, and classmate. The least they could do is make an effort to ensure this event will go smoothly for students by making sure their are clean gowns and caps with the proper sizes available for students to use.