Supervisor says

We were discussing with Rev. Omona (lecturer and my dissertation supervisor) the frighteningly fast pace of the semester, and asking him when we could present our dissertations, what what (etc.).  I mentioned that I had purchased my ticket back to the US for 4 May, and he was surprised; apparently, he thinks I should stay through the end of June.

Well, that’s not really feasible, from either a financial, employment, or logistical point of view.  He was surprised that my company isn’t paying my salary while I’m on my educational leave of absence.  I thought that was hysterical.  He did ask me what I thought I could get done from the US that I didn’t get done here, and while that’s a valid point, my mortgage company and my employer would probably all prefer that I return to the US in May as planned.

The good news is that we learned the secret to appearing at graduation:  as long as we finish everything – presentations, corrections (because they’re always there), printing/binding, everything – before the Senate meets to review candidates for graduation, we’re set.  So the timeline isn’t as firm as I initially thought, but I’m choosing to view that as a back-up plan.  I want to leave in May unfettered. 

On a separate note, I cannot imagine how the Senate reviews 900+ students to ensure that all are properly ready for graduation.  That just gives me a headache.  And I already have one from the massive thunderstorm (complete with hail!) that just blew through here.