The University of South Florida has warned students graduating this spring not to take selfies when they cross the stage to collect their diploma, or they could face serious disciplinary action.
“We want students to think about the dignity of the ceremony,” Michael A. Freeman, USF assistant vice president and dean for students, told the Tampa Bay Times. “It’s supposed to be exciting, but it’s a serious academic ceremony.”
USF placed an ad in the school paper this week asking them not take selfies with USF president Judy Genshaft and to avoid other inappropriate behavior, including stepping, strolling or marching on stage. They do get a simple handshake and of course, a professional photo with Genshaft.
The policy comes following what school officials deemed disruptive behavior during last year’s graduation. USF student body president Will Warmke saw 15 students take selfies with Genshaft in that ceremony! “I feel bad for the person behind the person taking the selfies because now they have to wait for their moment,” said Warmke to the Times.
Yes. Another few seconds of waiting after four long years of drinking, screwing around and doing whatever, and of course TONS of hard work, is just too much.
“The last thing I want to do on someone’s graduation day — which is supposed to be one of the best days of your life — is enforce some policy with a penalty or consequences,” Freeman said.
The University of Florida and Bryant University have announced similar bans.
These bans are quite frankly un-American. If the President can take a selfie at a funeral, why should millennials (who gifted the world with the concept) be prevented from taking them at a graduation ceremony? Also, Ellen DeGeneres, James Franco, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber — ALL the cool kids are doing it.