A few weeks ago, I attended a few graduation ceremonies at the San Ignacio de Loyola Institute (ISIL) and was pleased to observe a program that is distanced from the folklore so characteristic of these activities. I found it an inspiring experience to share reflections, suggestions, and guidance.
I want to start by specifying that sobriety is synonymous with elegance, relevance and consideration in order to make this act, of enormous importance for those who complete their academic training, an event filled with a sum of small details that provide splendor.
These events have certain traditions such as caps and gowns, originated in medieval universities when they were used by teachers and students to shelter from the cold in the classroom. The sensible thing is that the dress is according to the time, the occasion and the place. In countless circumstances the appearance is motley and extravagant. There are women overloaded with inappropriate outfits and men with shiny suits, gabardine pants, jean, polo shirts, etc. In "peruland" incoherence is frequent.
The members of the main table will display a white shirt and if they wear a toga, pants, socks and shoes will be dark. A formal, impeccable and proven quality wardrobe is necessary. The jacket will always be buttoned - beyond standing or sitting - and I advise wearing a good condition tie. Chinese silk esquive of poor texture and fabric
For their part, invitations must consider essential information and be delivered at least 15 days in advance. Innumerable universities make them with a design similar to that of a chicken and with the tones of a bingo card. The particularities of the call constitute the "thermometer" of the contest. Following the provisions of the protocol, the men's clothing is the only one consigned in the obituary and remember to put the correct word depending on what you offer at the end of the event: toast, cocktail, etc. I propose that the snacks are not bought by the kilo in a bakery around the corner and serve a quality wine.
Esta solemnidad requiere de un esquema compatible con el protocolo universitario y alejado de actuaciones musicales, coreografías, bailes, recitales, juego de luces, aclamaciones y bombardas de papel picado al estilo de la “hora loca”. Parecerá exagerado este comentario; los videos en las redes sociales acreditan que solo faltan los zancos y el cotillón como para una festividad de año nuevo en un salsodromo. Sin duda, manifestaciones ausentes de sensatez, finesa y buen gusto.
The program will contain only the essentials. The Diplomatic Academy of Peru has a presentation that can be picked up by any institution wishing to show off. His graduation consists of the following moments: national anthem, speech by his rector, words of a student delegate that will include a profile of the character whose name has been adopted by the promotion, distribution of diplomas to graduates, awards ceremony to the best students, reading of the ministerial resolution of incorporation to the diplomatic service, swearing in of the new third secretaries and dissertation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. If the head of state attends, he will speak at the end.
By inertia, in the majority of university graduations, a cloying and boring biographical count - similar to a school closure - is made of each of the graduates as they walk to receive their diploma. In this way, the activity spreads and loses its majesty. There are still pupils, believe it or not, who dedicate their degree to their "parents, grandparents, siblings, wives, mothers-in-law and pets." It is advisable for the authorities to stand still during the delivery of certificates.
The decoration will be in harmony with the gala. I notice settings with cloths and chairs lined in white, covered with gold tablecloths and gigantic letters with the initials of the house of studies, similar to the decoration of a baby shower. I notice the excessive appearance of multicolored flowers (these should be white and are not placed on the table, but in the most favorable spaces on the stage) and ornaments with designs conducive to a fashion show. There are even decorated stands for a themed party. The last straw!
On the other hand, I reiterate what was stated in my article "Importance of protocol in events" (2016) in relation to the role of the master of ceremonies: "… In our environment there are an innumerable range of moderators with palpable ignorance of the minimum protocol provisions, despite their extensive experience and even being public persons regularly summoned for these tasks. For example, they usually ask for 'a vote of applause', 'we salute with a loud applause', etc. forgetting that palms are not requested; they arise spontaneously. I hear with repeated offenses: 'Here are the sacred notes of the national anthem of Peru. Stand up please'. It would be enough: 'National anthem of Peru', it is obvious that it is sung standing up. Neither are they demanded alive at the end of the hymn as it happens with assiduous frequency.
“You should never take on an adulterous role or try to become the 'star' of the contest. Her Creole and improvised training, reflected in repeated deficiencies, can generate the perception that such a tarnished performance is habitual. Must master the use of honorific treatments, precedents, and basic concepts of ceremonial. I am not exaggerating by underlining the mediocrity of moderators unable to differentiate an institutional event from a children's party. The sobriety in his attire and development defines the style ”. There are countless entertainers who overwhelm each exhibitor with accolades, gifts, and titles. A wrong display of extreme exaltation.
Speeches under no consideration will go unnoticed. I advise practicing carefully to prevent lackluster interventions. I observe rectors, deans, and graduates lacking intellectual elements who read without emphasis and with inadequate diction. One must avoid saying: "good night with everyone and everyone" (only: "good night") and it is excessive and sticky to refer to all the authorities.
People sometimes carry their speeches on loose and crumpled sheets and, furthermore, fail to mention the attendees in the order of precedence. Rather, they do so in the sequence their names come to mind. Note that you are not obliged to "doctorate" those named as happens in "peruland". You can say "sir" and / or "ma'am" period. Do not say "miss" if you do not know the marital status of the lady.
The person in charge of delivering the speech on behalf of their promotion should rehearse for deficiencies. Refrain from making personal and family references that give an individual bias to an intervention carried out on behalf of your classmates. I allow myself to insinuate prudence in the praise, qualifications and recognition and, especially, to proceed with circumspection.
In a myriad of circumstances, we hear people say that the protocol establishes too much rigor and formality. The conviction that it has only one scope of application in the governmental sphere still persists. This guarantees the successful development of any social, business and official contingency. Within this context, it is pertinent to insert their discernment and management in the academic context and prevent the enormous omissions, stridencies and mediocrities visible in higher education centers.
In the same way, their neglect is palpable in study entities that organize spectacular graduations crammed with orphans. In this sense, I agree with the simple statements on protocol by the Spanish expert Fernando Fernández: “It is, above all, common sense. It consists of applying a series of uses and customs, existing for centuries, and a legislated regulation in this regard. But common sense solves many headaches ”.
