2008 Woodie Awards
Respect emphasized at this year's Convocation
Elizabeth Snyder
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: News
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A handful of sexy Dorothys, a scarecrow dressed in pants and a pair of strategically-duct-taped rainbow suspenders, and a Wicked Witch of the West wearing lacy black undergarments over green-painted skin gallivant down the house hallways. Shots of Smirnoff vodka are thrown back by some seniors in a room on the fourth floor. Chants of "Lamonsters and tigers and bears, oh my!" gain volume as students gather on the ground floor. It is the night before the first day of classes, and the state of affairs can be indicative of only one event: Smith College Convocation.
Rowdiness, scantily-clad students, and a high-energy atmosphere characterize the generally beloved Smith Convocation.
"Few colleges have an opening event that [is] so well attended and exudes such high-spirited enthusiasm," said Maureen Mahoney, Dean of the College. "Convocation is a wonderful event."
However, student behavior during convocation has been a controversial subject for many years. The choice of many students to wear minimal clothing, a perceived lack of respect for speakers, student alcohol consumption and the resulting atmosphere which has caused fewer and fewer faculty to choose to participate in the ceremonies are common concerns.
"Over the years, some students have pushed the boundaries, in terms of minimally appropriate attire and behavior, more and more," said Mahoney.
Prior to convocation this year, the administration made an active effort to spread a message promoting respectful and responsible behavior at convocation. Overall, demonstrating respect for convocation speakers was the most vocalized message from the administration prior to Convocation.
At Residential Life and Head of New Students trainings, house leaders were encouraged to maintain the positive, energetic atmosphere while promoting common courtesy and respectful behavior. In an e-mail titled "Preparing for Convocation" to the students several days before Convocation, Mahoney asked students to "Treat this occasion, yourself, the faculty and the speakers with respect."
Rowdiness, scantily-clad students, and a high-energy atmosphere characterize the generally beloved Smith Convocation.
"Few colleges have an opening event that [is] so well attended and exudes such high-spirited enthusiasm," said Maureen Mahoney, Dean of the College. "Convocation is a wonderful event."
However, student behavior during convocation has been a controversial subject for many years. The choice of many students to wear minimal clothing, a perceived lack of respect for speakers, student alcohol consumption and the resulting atmosphere which has caused fewer and fewer faculty to choose to participate in the ceremonies are common concerns.
"Over the years, some students have pushed the boundaries, in terms of minimally appropriate attire and behavior, more and more," said Mahoney.
Prior to convocation this year, the administration made an active effort to spread a message promoting respectful and responsible behavior at convocation. Overall, demonstrating respect for convocation speakers was the most vocalized message from the administration prior to Convocation.
At Residential Life and Head of New Students trainings, house leaders were encouraged to maintain the positive, energetic atmosphere while promoting common courtesy and respectful behavior. In an e-mail titled "Preparing for Convocation" to the students several days before Convocation, Mahoney asked students to "Treat this occasion, yourself, the faculty and the speakers with respect."
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