Change in policy

A new ticketing policy regarding graduation is unfair to students

Only one in four Americans graduate college, and even fewer are able to achieve a doctoral degree. Becoming part of this elite group is a major accomplishment.

As a state institution, the University should be especially aware of the profound step graduation is. Many of our soon-to-be alumni are the first in their family to graduate. In this way, the Dec. 18 ceremony represents not only a personal achievement, but one for the entire family.

However, if your family happens to exceed six, you are out of luck.

Yes, we understand the argument that not every person in every graduate’s life should be invited. Some donning the cap and gown get overzealous with their ceremony invitations and bring a loud crowd that could put the Red Coats to shame.

But in this era of divorce and remarriage, it is reasonable that someone’s immediate family alone would exceed six. The University is effectively telling some students to pick their favorite family members.

However, the most upsetting part of this entire snafu is that the University is waiting to make the announcement, despite knowing for quite some time about the crowding problem.

At this point, many people have already made hotel and transportation arrangements, or at the very least invited people to the ceremony. The last-minute change may force some eager graduates to tell loved ones to cancel their plans.

The announcement should have been made at the beginning of the semester, before people were invited

The Red & Black urges students who do not need all tickets to donate them back. Help each graduate celebrate to the fullest.

- Caitlin Byrnes for the editorial board.