Beyond Six Seats: Review Request to Increase Graduation Seating Capacity
Beyond Six Seats: Review Request to Increase Graduation Seating Capacity
The Issue
As graduating students of the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS), we are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming commencement ceremony on May 2nd. This day marks not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a milestone we wish to share with our loved ones who have supported us throughout our journey.
However, the current guest ticket allocation policy is restrictive, allowing each graduating student to invite only a limited number of guests (6 per student). This limitation makes it hard for many of us to celebrate this important occasion with the family and friends who have been instrumental in our success. As a graduate, I find myself in a difficult position, having to choose which loved ones can witness this achievement. This dilemma resonates with many of my fellow graduates, both undergraduate and graduate.
A revision of the guest ticket policy is essential. We propose reviewing the venue's capacity to identify potential ways to accommodate more guests, perhaps through additional seating arrangements or by using overflow rooms with live streaming of the ceremony. Moreover, understanding that safety and logistics are important, perhaps issuing tickets based on venue capacity on a first-come, first-served basis would be fairer.
According to university policies, similar revisions have been successfully implemented in past events, indicating that an evaluation of the current guest allocation could indeed lead to a more inclusive solution for everyone involved. Also, bearing in mind the university's commitment to fostering community and inclusivity, aligning the guest ticket policy with these values is imperative.
We urge the university administration to consider our concerns and act swiftly to provide us the opportunity to share our graduation day with all those who have been significant on our path to success. Please sign this petition to support the request for a review and revision of the guest ticket allocation policy for the upcoming commencement ceremony.
78
The Issue
As graduating students of the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS), we are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming commencement ceremony on May 2nd. This day marks not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a milestone we wish to share with our loved ones who have supported us throughout our journey.
However, the current guest ticket allocation policy is restrictive, allowing each graduating student to invite only a limited number of guests (6 per student). This limitation makes it hard for many of us to celebrate this important occasion with the family and friends who have been instrumental in our success. As a graduate, I find myself in a difficult position, having to choose which loved ones can witness this achievement. This dilemma resonates with many of my fellow graduates, both undergraduate and graduate.
A revision of the guest ticket policy is essential. We propose reviewing the venue's capacity to identify potential ways to accommodate more guests, perhaps through additional seating arrangements or by using overflow rooms with live streaming of the ceremony. Moreover, understanding that safety and logistics are important, perhaps issuing tickets based on venue capacity on a first-come, first-served basis would be fairer.
According to university policies, similar revisions have been successfully implemented in past events, indicating that an evaluation of the current guest allocation could indeed lead to a more inclusive solution for everyone involved. Also, bearing in mind the university's commitment to fostering community and inclusivity, aligning the guest ticket policy with these values is imperative.
We urge the university administration to consider our concerns and act swiftly to provide us the opportunity to share our graduation day with all those who have been significant on our path to success. Please sign this petition to support the request for a review and revision of the guest ticket allocation policy for the upcoming commencement ceremony.
78
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Petition created on April 7, 2026