Policy Number: 3190
Date: May 16th, 2023
Participation In Graduation Policy
Table of Contents
Purpose
Graduation exercises are sponsored by the Board of Education in order to honor students who graduate from American Leadership Academy. Students are not required to participate in the exercises and may receive an earned diploma independent of such participation. Participation in graduation exercises may be denied if a student fails to comply with participation standards as outlined in this policy.
Definitions
1. “Adornment” means something that a student attaches to or wears with, but does not replace, graduation attire.
2. “Cultural” means recognized practices and traditions of a certain group of people.
3. “Graduation attire” means attire that an LEA requires a student to wear as part of the dress code for a graduation ceremony.
Standards For Participation
Participation in a commencement (graduation) ceremony is an opportunity and not a protected right. To participate in graduation ceremonies, students must:
1. Have met all of the credit requirements for graduation and must qualify for either a Basic High School Diploma or a Certificate of Completion as defined by the Utah State Board of Education in Section R277-‐705 of the Utah Administrative Code.
2. Fulfill all graduation requirements by the end of the last term of their senior year.
3. Have been enrolled in the school during the final semester of his/her senior year.
4. Students must be in good standing with the school. Students may not participate if they are under suspension, expulsion or other restrictive discipline imposed by the school
administrators in accordance with school policies and procedures.
5. Students must have paid all fees and fines owed to the school.
Guidelines
The graduation commencement ceremony is a formal and dignified in-person school sponsored activity which has significant meaning for graduates, parents, families, staff, and the community. The commencement ceremony honors the collective achievement of the graduating class.
In order to maintain the dignity, decorum, propriety, and respect of the commencement ceremony, the following is expected:
1. Conduct, dress and appearance are to adhere to the provisions in this policy and be appropriate for a ceremony of this nature.
2. Formal, semi-formal, or customary best dress attire is appropriate for a commencement ceremony.
3. Graduates are expected to wear the prescribed cap and gown without alterations. This means that all gowns are to be zipped up and worn during the entire duration of the commencement program and no additional decoration added to the cap.
4. Graduates will be allowed to wear recognized items of religious or cultural significance as an adornment, that does not cause a disruption or material interference, and in a dignified manner with pre-approval from administration.
5. Students are not to carry anything, including purses, phones, cameras, sunglasses, backpacks, bags, or other items.
6. School issued and approved tassels, sashes, cords, insignias, or medals signifying achievement, honor, participation, membership, or recognition may be worn.
7. Any behavior that draws attention to the individual or detracts from the dignity of the ceremony itself will result in exclusion from the ceremony.
References
R277-705