Commencement Change
Under Consideration

In recent weeks a number of changes have been considered to assure the coliseum is not filled beyond its safe capacity, but the one which drew the most discussion was the possibility of issuing an allotment of seats to each graduate.

While it was only a proposal, the ticket plan was discussed at a campus question and answer session Oct. 29.

Sam Houston State University holds three commencement exercises each year in the coliseum, with the one each spring having the highest number of graduates and attendance.

"The safety of everyone participating in our commencement ceremonies is our prime consideration," said James F. Gaertner, SHSU president. "But there are a number of possibilities other than tickets, and we do not know how most students feel on this issue."

Other possible changes to the present commencement procedure include a re-configuration of the floor seating, using Bowers Stadium for an outdoor ceremony, holding three ceremonies instead of two in the coliseum, or first come, first served seating.

Each of the procedure changes has positive and negative aspects, and all are being considered by the university commencement committee, which will bring to the administration a recommendation in the not too distant future.

In addition, the SHSU Office of Institutional Research and Office of the Vice President for Student Services will conduct a random survey of students to determine how they feel on various questions relating to the commencement program issue.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Nov. 18, 2002
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