Home » Voices » Editorial »

Moving May 2010 graduation from Rose Arena to Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a good move

By on November 4, 2009 2:00 am in Editorial / 2 comments

 
email

Graduation ceremonies at Central Michigan University are typically held in Rose Arena.

But because of ongoing renovations to create the CMU Events Center, officials decided to move May 2010 graduation next door to Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

The university deserves credit for keeping it nearby and not moving it outside of Mount Pleasant, as originally feared. Furthermore, the move allows students to invite an unlimited number of family and friends — solving a yearly graduation issue.

Rose Arena is the usual location for commencement. But work on the events center began in September and will be amid internal renovations come spring and summer, making the arena unsuitable for ceremonies.

With approximately 3,700 students graduating in May, university officials would be taking full advantage of Kelly/Shorts Stadium’s 30,295 seats. Director of Public Relations Steve Smith expects a larger crowd than usual for the upcoming graduation because of one pesky nuisance previous graduating classes had to deal with — tickets.

When ceremonies were in Rose Arena, they were typically split into three, and students were limited to six tickets each for family and friends because of limited space in the arena. That meant a lot of graduating seniors going around, asking others for extra tickets so more family and friends could come see them walk for their diploma.

With thousands more seats at Kelly/Shorts, that problem is nixed. Students can invite however many people they would like.

Weather concerns

Despite the benefits of the graduation switch-up, there are still concerns. Even though Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a great choice for the May 2010 graduation, the university should still look for other possible locations in case of inclement weather.

As of right now, graduation will be held rain or shine. But Michigan is notorious for its abrupt change in weather. Rain, or even snow, in May is certainly possible.

With Kelly/Shorts Stadium being open, that could ruin graduation day for a lot of people.

“People would be able to bring umbrellas into the stadium with them, which they cannot do for football games,” said Steve Smith, director of public relations. While the gesture is nice, students and families should not have to put up with precipitation on a special day.

One location that comes to mind is Finch Fieldhouse but, with room for just around 4,700 people, that would not be ideal for guests to attend. The Indoor Athletic Complex could be another possible location, although it is nowhere near as big as Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Both those alternatives would have to split into three ceremonies and reinstate tickets for family and friends.

Kelly/Shorts should be good enough. But the university needs to have a better backup plan, especially with Michigan’s reputation for bad luck.

 

Tags

, , ,

Related Posts

 
  • Darcel Bennett

    I have been searching on line all night to discover if the site for graduation has been changed and to find email addresses to express my dismay at the choice of Kelly/Shorts stadium as the site for May 2010 graduation. Although the stadium can hold several people for this event, there are many drawbacks holding such a momentous event at this venue.
    My daughter has been a student at CMU for several years. She and I, along with many family members, have been looking forward to celebrating this memorable occasion. A much smaller, intimate setting personalizes commencement. The audience is actually able to see that special loved one walk across the stage, accept that well earned diploma, and even witness the jubliation on their face and in body language.
    Commencement is supposed to be a memorable event. What will the graduates and their guests recall about this impersonal ceremony if held in a large stadium? I have been told with only one commencement ceremony the graduates names will not even be announced. After several years of studying, researching the numerous term papers, cramming for exams, and the expense of tuition, doesn’t the graduate deserve to have their name called in recognition of their achievement?
    I believe the graduates and their families deserve more than what Kelly/Shorts stadium has to offer for this notable affair. My daughter and our family have sacrificed a great deal to get through these years of higher education. My parents have been looking forward to attending this ceremony. They are now in their 70′s. What do you think they will enjoy about a ceremony in a football stadium with a very real chance of cold temperatures, the possibility of rain, and not even be able to see their beloved granddaughter without binoculars?
    I feel the decision to hold graduation in the stadium has been a very poor and irresponsible decision. I really do not care if the university has to hold three or more ceremonies for graduation. I do expect those that make such decisions to be responsible and consider all aspects of graduation and not decide on a location based on the easy way out. Perhaps the decision makers should reflect on the ceremony they experienced. I am sure it was better than what CMU has planned for the May 2010 graduates. I would much rather have graduation held off campus if it means having a proper, memorable ceremony for all to enjoy and remember forever. This achievement is a milestone and should be treated as such.

  • Janice Martin

    I agree with Darcel. My daughter is graduating from CMU after attending 5 years to receive her teaching degree. I attended her fience’s graduation last year in May and remember the downpour of rain we all had to dart through in the parking lot. It was bad enough we had to run through the soaking wet parking lot but at least we had a dry graduation ceremony. I too believe that having all the graduates walk in one ceremony, not announcing their name is a real shame. These young adults have worked very hard over the past 4 to 5 years and deserve the recognition of having their name read at their graduation. Their parents, who have paid their tuition in most cases, deserve to hear their child’s name announced. I would much prefer to have another location off campus and sit in a dry environment with my daughter’s name announced than sit in a large stadium and not even be able to see her. I may even have to try and see around umbrellas! And what will the graduates do to keep dry? Will they all have umbrellas up too? So we can’t see them, hear their name or even find them where they are sitting? I say why bother at all? What a shame!