Commencement changes

Something new for summer; December exercises planned

Responding to student requests, the university will implement a December commencement exercise beginning in 1996.

"Students were the force behind this change," said university registrar W.S. "Bud" Smith.

"Most of those graduating in December found it inconvenient or impossible to return six months later for graduation exercises. We're pleased the university can respond to those fall graduates who wish to participate in commencement," he said.

The 1996 winter commencement is set for Dec. 13, a day after final exams. Smith said the number of students graduating is expected to be significant.

"In the spring of 1994, the university graduated 1,420 students," he said. "In August 1994, we graduated 872. In December of 1994, that number was 930. Clearly, the December commencement has the potential to be the second-largest commencement exercise."

The university can now accommodate a December exercise because Athletic Department renovations will allow flexibility in scheduling Humphrey Coliseum, he said. "The availability of the Newell-Grissom Building as an alternate site for some winter sports allows the use of the coliseum," he said.

Students also have been a part of changes that will begin with summer commencement exercises, Smith explained.

"Under the direction of art professor Jamie Mixon, students have designed banners for each academic college," he said. The Graduate School, Library, and Alumni Association also will have banners for the ceremony.

"These will be carried in preceding each group," Smith explained. "They'll provide an additional element of pageantry for the occasion."

The university also has begun to produce diplomas in-house, Smith reported. "Assistant registrar Larry Dobbs has designed computer software that allows us to produce diplomas on Library of Congress-approved paper with a 200-year mean life, "he said. Seals are pre-stamped in gold foil.

"This process is more economical, and it allows quick response to those graduates who lose diplomas or request name changes," Smith said.