My son, the first in my family to attain any type of after high school degree, will be graduating next week with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He finished his classes in Dec 2010, but the school has only one graduation and it is coming up next week. He had decided with encouragement from his girl freind and others that he would participate in the ceremony. He has no plans at this time to continue his education further, but is proud that he accomplished his two year degree. The question is whether or not it is ettiquettely correct to send announcements for a two year degree when so many others go on to obtain their bachelors and masters, doctorate? I am very proud of him for accomplishing this much since he really didn't have a desire to further his education, he felt with the economy and job situation he didn't have a choice at the time. He chose Criminal Justice, and since has decided this will be something he can fall back on. Due to he won't be 21 and able to carry a gun until the end of this July, which has made it difficult to obtain a job in the his area of interest. He also through working at Ingles in stocking has found he doesn't care for a night shift job, has now found a job in Industrial mechanical and works days and seems happy enough. Back to the question: Is it politically or etiquettly correct to send announcements for a two year degree? I'm leaning toward taking his picture in his cap and gown the night of the ceremony and sending to close family and friends only? His grandparents and I will be traveling back from camping in order to attend the ceremony. May have a family gathering to celebrate in a few weeks?
I think it's appropriate, especially since he doesn't plan on going on (my husband is getting his associates this summer but continuing to a bachelor's so we're waiting with the celebration).
This is a big accomplishment, especially being the first in the family to do this. Go ahead, make a big deal out of it. He deserves it!
I'd do a family bbq or something. Keep it low-key, but celebrate his accomplishment.
Who needs a four year degree to celebrate? This is a big deal to you and your family so go for it! If this is the end of a dedicated educational path and you don't anticipate another celebration in the near future, do what feels good in your heart. Do for your son and what you think he would appreciate. Your concerns about etiquette are well intentioned but today's situations are tricky and not always cut and dried. In the end, do what you think you will be happiest to look back on ten years from now. If you state clearly what you are celebrating then it is up to your guests if they want to participate or not.
I would send only to very close family. Personally I am not a big fan of announcements - I never know what to do with them. Do I send a card and/or gift? Either invite me to a party or not. So if you're going to have a family BBQ - which I think is a perfect way to celebrate the accomplishment - then send informal invitations and you can prepare a small favors such as a picture frame with a picture from the gradutaion ceremony. 5X7 for grandparents, smaller ones for aunts, uncles, etc.
And congrats to your son - good for him for getting this done. What about joining a police department?
September I will graduate with my Associates and you bet your bottom dollar I'm sending announcements to my family! Especially since most of them live in TX so they wont be able to come to my graduation. There are only 2 cousins/grandkids on my dads side to even attempt to get a degree, so it's a huge thing for my family too. I'm the only one in my immediate family to have one so I feel it's something to celebrate.
Be a proud mommy and do what you feel is ok :D
in short - YES, YES, YES!!! What a wonderful milestone and accomplishment.
Great job to you, mom, for loving, encouraging and supporting him to take this very challenging step into his future.
I think the # of years has no bearing on the decision of whether or not to send an announcement or not. It's the degree he wants and it's great for everyone to be proud of it. You all should be. By I don't get the whole announcement thing in general. I have an undergraduate and a masters degree and we never sent any type of announcement... I would have felt like I was pandering for gifts or something. Everyone who would care of course knew what was going on and that I finished the degrees. If they didn't know, it's because we're not that close so why would we make sure they know via a formal announcement?... They'll find out eventually and if they don't, who cares?... My getting degrees has nothing to do with them. I don't mean to be critical. I just don't get it. Likely it's just how my family operates though.
Yes. It's an accomplishment, and should be announced. Congrats!!
Congratulations mom! I think it's just fine and completely within the realm of etiquette to send an announcement for your son's Associates Degree. Your plan to send cap and gown pics to close family and friends is in good taste and includes them in a significant milestone in your son's life, which should be honored. To me, *not* honoring someone's A.D. because it isn't a BS or a BA would be very, very nitpicky. He must have worked very hard! And do have a family gathering...get a bbq going or something simple, but he sure deserves it! (and ignore anyone who says any differently... they just don't have to come if they feel it's inappropriate:) )
Tricky...
If you only send a picture to CLOSE family, I think it is ok. If you get outside the realm of close family and start sending announcements to everyone.... then you are not sending an announcement... it is received as an "invoice".
It is common knowledge that announcements for HS, college, etc are simply invoices for gifts.
Of course you are super proud of him and he should be proud of himself. A family gathering sounds great to me as well.. keep it simple.
Please do send announcements and make sure to include a picture of him (and the family) in his cap and gown. This is an accomplishment that needs to be acknowledged and definitely have a family party to celebrate! He studied and worked hard for those two years.
Congratulations!
For what it's worth, my parents sent announcements and had a party for my undergraduate degree, but none of my subsequent degrees. So... if he's planning on doing a 4 year program in the very near future you may want to hold-off. Otherwise, go for it and enjoy!
