Whooping at a graduation

[Welliesandtweed]

I attended my sisters MSc graduation today. Mostly undergraduates and a few post grads.

There were some sections of the audience whooping when the names were called out. Is it not a little crass to whooping at a formal event.

They were pleased for their family member. What’s wrong with a little joy?

Maybe the student overcame health issues or family issues to graduate. Maybe they are first in their family to do so.

People are happy, that’s a nice thing.

I am fairly sure we were actually encouraged to cheer at DDs graduate, as a shy introvert it was really not me but I did it anyway 🤣

Very crass and immature. Plenty of opportunity to celebrate whooping etc. Imagine if everyone did that in the ceremony. It would be chaos and noisy and grim. Yet some think their relative is more important so they have to

There’s cheering and sometimes whopping at a wedding. I don’t think anyone would consider it crass then, despite it being a formal event. People would just be really happy for the couple. For some people getting a degree is a really big deal and their family are proud.

Its not a solemn event. It's a celebration of what students have achieved. Whooping is fine.

When I graduated, I wore a suit to recognise the formality of the occasion.

What is it with the girls turning up dressed as if they re going for a night out in a club.

The whooping just disturbs everybody else and misses you hearing something. It isn't a club night.

I've been to several graduations now and though I do an inner eye roll at the whoopers, I do usually think it's quite cute. I do judge those walking around with massive bouquets though...

I would not be caught dead whooping though.

I'm sad for your sister that you didn't whoop for her

Yeah, it’s crass and just rude.

I whooped my brother when he got his hard won PhD from a very prestigious university. It was an expression of pure love, pride and joy ❤️ not crass at all (it was a short sharp burst) but honestly I’d have thought anyone who questioned it was a killjoy and not given it another moment’s thought!

Well that's just too bad, admittedly I didn't whoop, but the four of us cheered with love and pride at Ds1 graduation.

Nope 😘

At my DD’s graduation a few weeks ago they told us to clap every graduate as if they were our own as not everyone had people there to watch and not to whoop as then the next person’s name may not be heard. People did keep up with the clapping and about three graduates had whoopers and hollerers. None of them looked pleased about it though.

I worked for a University for several years and attended graduation ceremonies during those years. I was always sat at the front of the proceedings facing the students and their families (and yes, I wore a gown with the appropriate hood for the degree I achieved!). The whoops and cheers were always lovely and appreciated by all - those on stage and those off!... It's a day of celebration of achievements not a coronation...

At my DD's graduation we were encouraged to cheer and whoop. A family of African heritage behind us whooped and cheered every single student by name as they were announced and high fived every student that wanted it as they processed back to their seat. it was such a lovely thing to do. My DD slogged her guts out to get her degree and I loved that they shouted her name and cheered her on. It is not a solemn occasion but a celebration of 3 or more years of very hard work. I made a point of thanking the family afterwards.

In my church it's normal to clap and cheer when the bride and groom complete their vows. Again, it's a time of joy.

well.... you're fun.

My graduation is in November and I hope I get whooped 😂❤️

It was positively encouraged by the Chancellor at my son's graduation a few weeks ago. I thought it was fun. Why not?

When DS got his BA he was followed on stage by a mature female student whose partner (husband?) and 4 kids were in the row behind us.

Their shouting, stamping and cheering nearly brought the place down.

Bloody good luck to all of them was the general attitude.

YABU (& also a misery guts),

Yes it is crass and we are not Americans!

I whooped for my DC. I was so proud of their result - worked really hard and got a first - after he struggled for years at school and only just got the GCSE’s needed to go to college.

I clapped for everyone else.

It’s a celebration and not a funeral.

Why does it ‘lower the tone’?

Lots of people of African heritage at the last one I went to … so plenty of Ululation.. I quite liked it, it was celebratory

At ds's graduation the senior bod introducing the ceremony (Vice-Chancellor?) explicitly told the audience that people were welcome to make as much noise as they liked for their graduand(s), but only while their graduand was on the stage. It was a lovely ceremony, not too long, and very happy.