This year, a new fee of $100 was instituted for all graduating seniors. Most colleges or universities have already implemented these costs, but Siena Heights has waited as long as it could. Mr. George Wolf, Vice President for Enrollment Management, shared his thoughts with Spectra.

“The cost of graduation preparations, and supplies needed for it, have all increased. It was either increase tuition costs more for everybody or just for those who are graduating. There are more colleges and universities with a graduation fee than those without one. The fee will hold at $100 unless there is an absolute need for an increase.”

Seniors were informed over the summer about the new graduation fees.

Senior Haley Dennis said, “Everyone is so upset with the new graduation fee because we already pay so much to go here, so why should we have to pay an extra hundred dollars just to receive our diploma? We wish there would have been more of an open discussion about it, especially since all we received was a couple of emails that didn’t really explain what the fee was being used for. Basically, we just find it extremely frustrating.”

Mr. Wolf continued to explain that in order to keep the quality of the graduation services, there had to be a fee. “As the number of students graduating increases, so does the cost of security for the events.” The fee will carry over if a graduate pays, and decides to graduate the next semester.

Sydney Gossett, senior, shared her opinion. “I think they made it such a surprise and last minute announcement, which was very unfair. They should have either made the announcement last year or made it for next year’s class. Seniors were informed over the summer about the new graduation fees. Personally I’m not too hurt about it because every year this school gets more expensive so it’s not a complete shocker.”

Siena Heights’ tuition is lower than other private schools, and Mr. Wolf explained that they try to keep the costs down for all students. “The university has grown and matured a lot in the past twenty years. The fee will allow us to continue to have the same high level graduation days we have always had.”