---

brought to you by the ASU WebDevil and the State Press

Grad locale angers some at ASU East

By Carol Dwyer

State Press

Graduating seniors at ASU East have mixed feelings about the location of their graduation convocation ceremony: a tented area in a parking lot.

The ceremony will be held in a parking lot because ASU East lacks a facility that can hold the expected 700 people, according to Vinette Williams, an academic programs director.

"We had to move the ceremony to an outdoor venue because there are no facilities large enough to accommodate the number of people attending," she said.

Previously, this graduation ceremony was held in an on-campus auditorium, but was moved to an open lot on the north side of the Williams Campus Union in recent years.

That particular site was chosen because of its proximity to the Union, which is a central and special part of the campus, Williams said.

Some students are satisfied with the situation, while others believe that much more should be done by organizers to ensure a pleasant ceremony.

"I think they are trying to make it as nice as they can," said Shawn Dean, an agribusiness senior. "I would much rather have (the convocation) open with as many family members as I want instead of limiting the audience and holding it inside."

Because the ceremony is held outdoors, graduates can invite an unlimited number of guests and tickets are not required.

However, flyers were posted Tuesday, urging students to speak out about the convocation's parking lot site.

"I can't believe there isn't a building here that can hold (the ceremony)," said graduating senior Josh Van Kylen. "I just feel real bitter about it being outside. My grandma is coming out here and she doesn't want to sit in a hot asphalt parking lot in May."

Organizers explained that there will be a stage area set up with seating and refreshments to deal with the anticipated heat.

Despite the recent student concern, Williams said this is the first time any students have complained.

"I'll be glad to listen to any student input and suggestions," said Williams. "We want to make it the best event we can, but we are working with limited space."

The official commencement where students receive their diplomas will be held at ASU Main. However, the convocation is designed to be more personalized and it is important to administrators to have an event on the East campus, Williams said.

Carol Dwyer can be reached by e-mail at carol.dwyer@asu.edu.

Related Opinion -->