USF Bans New Grads From Taking Selfies
TAMPA (CBSMiami) – After years of sleepless study nights, sitting in long lectures and intense finals, it's time for college seniors to graduate.
As much as students at one Florida school would love to document the very moment when walk across the stage to accept their diploma, university officials have put their foot down on the #Selfie game.
The University of Florida's Division of Student Affairs put out an ad in the school's newspaper on Wednesday that warned prospective graduates about "inappropriate behavior" at commencement. The ad advised students to not perform acts such as stepping, strolling, marching, or even taking selfies.
A "selfie" is the popular trend where a person takes a picture of themselves using a cell phone. A selfie of Ellen Degeneres and a group of A-list actors has become the "The Most Popular Tweet in the World" on Twitter. Even President Obama and VP Joe Biden have joined in on the fun.
The university said despite it's popularity, selfies will not be tolerated.
While some students may be tempted to take a picture of themselves with university President Judy Genshaft as they are being handed their diploma , the university's Dean for Students Michael Freeman said there will be consequences, according to The Oracle, the school's paper.
Those who dare to take a selfie during graduation will face disciplinary actions and their degree will be withheld.
The school said that the only way students will be able to capture their special moment is through a professional formal graduation photo that will be taken.
USF joins a list of other schools like Bryant University and the University of Florida, who forbid selfies at "serious academic ceremonies".
Fortunately, not all of the fun has been banned. Students will still be able to toss their mortarboards at the end of graduation to celebrate.