KU Divides Spring Commencement Day into Thirds

Kutztown University’s spring graduation, heretofore held in the football stadium rain or shine, has usually commenced under shine. In fact, organizers of past ceremonies have had to worry more about sun-beat bleachers or wind-blown chairs than excessive downpours. However, about half-way through the ceremony this past May 13th, it was all rain.

“We were ready with a shortened program, but the students insisted on finishing,” says Camille Bartlett, director of Administrative Services. As Alumni Director Glenn Godshall remembers, each time it seemed the ceremony would be truncated the students put up a holler to continue. And so, in the absence of lightening, a considerably drenched Class of 2006 was announced to the last.

Although a success overall, the events of last May raised serious questions about safety and comfort, prompting a significant reevaluation of the entire commencement program. During the summer, the President and his Cabinet assembled a task force to develop a new weather-contingent plan for the future.

The new plan for an all indoor commencement, which involves splitting the spring program into three parts throughout the day, was presented in September. “The reality,” explains Bartlett, “is that we can’t fit 1,000 graduates and 10,000 guests indoors at one time, so this is the best and most realistic option we have.”

Spring graduation this May 12th will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a ceremony for graduate students in Schaeffer Auditorium. At 11:00 a.m. the Colleges of Education and Visual & Performing Arts will be announced in the Field House along with the traditional recognition of the 50th year class, who mostly associate with the College of Education. The Colleges of Liberal Arts and Business will walk at 4:00 p.m. also in the Field House. Relevant separate speakers for each of the three groupings will be chosen, while faculty participants will most likely line up behind graduates of their respective colleges. For now, the smaller winter commencement will remain unchanged - one ceremony held indoors.

The new instructions for spring commencement are being mailed to prospective graduates over the winter break. According to Bartlett, students were surveyed by the task force in early fall to determine what they valued the most in their graduation ceremony. “Many students requested more tickets so their families can attend, and they wanted their individual names to be called,” says Bartlett. The new ceremony plan will grant both wishes, allowing graduates to claim at least six tickets and providing personalized name recognition instead of an en masse declaration.

For those organizing the event, three graduation ceremonies make up a long day, requiring additional help from university employees. But, staff will work in shifts to make sure each ceremony goes smoothly. And, this spring, graduation is expected to go very smoothly – no matter what the weather is like outside.