Lilyana Vasquez
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year at FSC, school officials reinstated monthly convocations with a mandatory attendance policy. The change has sparked mixed reactions amongst students on the new frequency and format.
The goal of more frequent convocations is to foster community ties while communicating important information and reinforcing campus values. FSC President Dr. Jeremy P. Martin made this change hoping to bring a new outlook on convocation for students.
While it was rumored there is a large fine for unexcused absences, this is false. However, convocation is still strictly mandatory. Attendance is taken through student’s event passes at each ceremony. If unable to attend, students must request an attendance exemption two days prior by 11:55 p.m.
Excused absences are only permitted for emergencies, students graduating in the same semester as the convocation and officially scheduled classes such as clinicals or practicums. The hope is that students will want to attend rather than be forced to attend.
Student body president Lexi Lapore-Paternostro understands complaints about mandatory attendance, scheduling conflicts, and that it may feel boring or forced to students. In response to this she says “I think having an optional convocation, while it would result in more positive feedback by attendees, we wouldn’t necessarily be engaging with the rest of the student body,” Lapore-Paternostro said.
Lapore-Paternostro explains her understanding of both sides and notes the administration’s aim to focus on positive, actionable feedback even if universal agreement isn’t possible.
She believes that mandatory attendance is necessary to reach all students, but does want more feedback opportunities to make convocation enjoyable without force.
Aaron Linares, a student at FSC agrees with the mandatory policy and enjoyed the first convocation. “They talk a lot about what they expect from students, and how they’re there to help us achieve that… someone who actually wants to get something out of it, will,” Linares said.
Freshman voices Andrea Poll & Alexis Whisler expressed mixed opinions about the event. Whisler said the fine (rumor) for skipping was “diabolical,” while Poll noted she might still attend even if it weren’t mandatory, depending on her mood.
They both agreed that students want convocations to feel more interactive, with games, activities, and audience engagement instead of just listening to speakers. Poll even suggested the experience could resemble “a mini youth group.”
More interactive activities would bring forth a stronger sense of FSC community. It “didn’t really bring everyone else closer except for everyone that was in the building,” Poll said.
While physically together, students want to be able to foster real connection. Despite mixed opinions, both felt that convocation overall was a welcoming and enjoyable experience as incoming students. It allowed them to see what campus life is like and adjust to the transition.
FSC men’s soccer player Darcy Moffat enjoyed convocation and that it was brief. In regards to the mandatory attendance even with a busy schedule Moffat notes that he would still attend if he wasn’t too busy. However, he does believe convocation should be optional for students.
He also explained how he believes the convocations do align with the school’s goals.
Overall, while there is a debate on whether or not convocation should be mandatory, it is evident that students see the benefits and can find enjoyment in attending. While some students may feel torn between appreciating the sense of community and resisting the strict attendance policy, the goal of convocation remains.
With students consistently calling for more interactive elements like games and audience engagement, the desire for genuine community remains clear—echoing President Martin’s vision.
Freshmen and athletes alike noted that convocation helped them feel welcomed and informed, even if the format isn’t perfect. The overall sense is that the new system shows promise, but needs adjustments to feel enjoyable rather than obligatory.
As Paternostro put it, her role is to serve “as a facilitator between students and administration” to ensure those changes take shape. While she can’t make guaranteed changes, she can make connections.
As FSC adjusts to monthly convocations, the campus remains split between valuing community and resisting mandatory attendance. Students agree the gatherings can be meaningful, but say future success depends on making them more engaging and less forced.
Coming up Oct. 8 will be the next convocation at 10:50 a.m. with the theme “Wellness Reimagined”. Many hope this upcoming convocation will mark a shift toward a more engaging and meaningful tradition for the FSC community.