Currently, the University of Cincinnati is not announcing the individual names of students and having them walk to the stage and get recognized for their hard-work. Instead, UC is announcing the colleges and simply requesting that the students stand up, then immediately sit down. 

The implications of UC’s decision clearly go well beyond those directly affected. I would like to believe that it runs counter to our university’s core values. Our university is committed to Our City, Our Campus, Our Teams, and Our People. With more than 44,000 students from more than 110 countries, the university should recognize each of their efforts on an individual level. Giving their families that fly halfway around the world, their children who aspire to be like them, and their younger siblings who admire them the opportunity to take notice of a great milestone.

The call of action is to get this overturn, make the University of Cincinnati call each individual student's name, allowing the student to walk to the stage. Graduation is about the student, on an individual level, receiving a "right of passage", marking a great milestone, ending one chapter and beginning another. Graduation is not about the keynote speaker, the president of the university, the newly renovated stadium, or saving time; it is about the years of hard-work and dedication that has finally paid off for that unique, passionate student.

Sign this petition to stand with us and show the administration of the University of Cincinnati that individual recognition is important at the commencement ceremony.