We are a group of students graduating from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Indianapolis. After years of hard work, financial sacrifice, and dedication, we were excited to finally celebrate our achievement at the upcoming departmental graduation ceremony.

But due to a lack of clear communication around a separate RSVP process, several of us were never made aware that not submitting that RSVP would result in being completely excluded from the ceremony, even from walking.

We had already submitted the Intent to Graduate form. The additional RSVP email was vague and never explicitly warned that students who missed it would be denied the right to participate in their graduation.

Now, even with 10 days remaining before the event, we’re being told there is “no room,” despite many students hoarding guest tickets, reselling them, or simply not using them. Attempts to respectfully escalate the issue have been ignored or deflected.

We’re not asking for guest tickets. We’re not asking for special treatment.
We are simply asking to walk the stage with our peers, to be recognized for our academic accomplishments in the same space as everyone else.

This isn’t just a logistical oversight, it’s the denial of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone to students who earned it.

Please support us by signing this petition and urging the Luddy School leadership to:
 • Allow students who missed the RSVP deadline to walk, even if guest seating is unavailable.
 • Prioritize graduating students over unused guest tickets.

We earned this. We deserve to be celebrated.