Several changes will be introduced to this year’s commencement ceremonies, including the elimination of several speeches and the addition of accessible ramps to the stage.
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Ohio University officials cut several speeches, some from students, for this year’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies and cited time contrasts as their main concern.
A student representative from the Student Alumni Board and Student Senate President Megan Marzec were cut from the May 2 ceremony, among other speeches from university administrators.
The changes are anticipated to shorten the ceremonies by about 25 minutes, according to an email sent by OU President Roderick McDavis to students and administrators whose speeches were cut from the ceremony.
“This time saving ensures that we can read the name of each graduate and hand out ceremonial diplomas,” McDavis said in the email.
The continuing growth of OU’s graduating class also contributed to the decision.
The Convo, which seats 13,080 people, will likely run out of space within the next two years to accommodate graduates and their families during commencement, McDavis said.
In addition to the space constraint, McDavis also expressed concern over not having enough time to reset The Convo in between ceremonies, which he said is also a safety concern.
Undergraduates will have two separate ceremonies based on college, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 2:00 p.m.
“The changes have made my heart ache a bit,” said Rachel Sharkey, a senior studying journalism and a representative from the Student Alumni Board who was set to speak at commencement. “I understand the need to cut time as commencement can be a long event so I hope to learn more about the positive impact these changes will make.”
Marzec did not immediately return a request for comment.
Despite cutting the ceremony short, officials say students will still have a role in the ceremonies.
In lieu of several of the speeches, Student Affairs plans to make a video with students’ messages to family and friends.
“You can debate if it’s ideal or not ideal, but the bottom line is that the priority has to be on the graduating seniors and their families,” Lombardi said. “The decision was made to remove some of the formal speaking assignments in the ceremony so that we can stay committed to reading the names of the students.”
Both Marzec and Sharkey will be in the video, Jennifer Kirksey, McDavis’ chief of staff, said in an email.
Accessibility accommodations will also be included in this year’s ceremony, including the addition of ramps to the commencement platform. This will ultimately limit the number of seats available on stage for speakers.
“A final determination of the platform party will be made in the coming weeks,” McDavis said.
Last academic year OU granted more than 6,300 bachelor’s degrees, including students who pursued more than one degree.
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