Editorial: Asphalt ceremony not enough for East grads

After four years of hard work, dedication, 7:40 a.m. classes, all-nighters and other typical college student tribulations, a graduating senior might expect a great job, a car or maybe even a big wad of cash.

But not the graduating students at ASU East. Our Power Road counterparts are simply requesting a decent graduation convocation. Currently, ASU East's convocation is scheduled in a parking lot tent on campus grounds.

Their parents, spouses, relatives and friends are coming -- perhaps even traversing great distances -- to witness a convocation that will probably be inferior to their high school ceremony.

Remember old football stadium, gym or auditorium? You thought that was bad. Well, try asphalt and parking spaces. Instead of lining up on the 40-yard line, you can take your place near your regular parking space.

Senior Josh Van Kylen told the State Press Tuesday that he feels bitter about the ceremony being held outside.

Organizers said that there will be refreshments available to deal with the heat, but apparently, some students think air conditioning would have been a better solution.

"My grandma is coming out here and she doesn't want to sit in a hot asphalt parking lot in May," Van Kylen said.

Every student on any of ASU's three campuses pays for tuition at this University, and we all deserve a proper convocation ceremony. If ASU East does not have the facilities necessary to hold such a ceremony, that's understandable. The Mesa campus is newer and smaller than ASU Main. However, its students deserve no less than a proper send-off.

Academic programs director Vinette Williams said that 700 people are expected to attend this year's convocation ceremony, but ASU East does not have the indoor facilities necessary to accommodate so many people.

Some students apparently don't mind the proposed setup. Senior Shawn Dean said he would rather have the ceremony outside with unlimited seating rather than inside with limited tickets.

The official commencement will be held at ASU Main, but Williams said that it is important to the administrators to have an event on the East campus. But, the ceremony is for the students and their families and friends, not just the administrators. The students' wishes should be considered and honored if possible.

Furthermore, if the East campus cannot accommodate the students and their families, perhaps they should rethink their plan. This means making other arrangements -- perhaps finding a non-ASU venue in which to have the ceremony. Granted ASU East would have to pay rent to use the facility, but it would certainly help diffuse the complaints.

We understand the East campus administrators' frustration. They are trying to put together an event and do the best they can with what they have. However, the students have worked hard for four or five years, and they deserve a proper convocation ceremony.

Williams said she is open to suggestions. We applaud that and encourage her and her colleagues to think outside the box for the benefit of the students.

Besides -- as consistent with problems here at ASU Main -- where would everyone park?

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