UArts: Class of 2018 Demands Graduation Location to be Changed

The seniors of The University of the Arts, an excellent visual and performing arts school in Philadelphia, are very frustrated by the fact that their University is only granting them 2 guest tickets for their graduation ceremony this year. The guest ticket situation has been a problem for students in previous years as well, not just this year. By speaking out about this issue, the seniors hope that the University will make the proper changes to remedy this problem, not just for their class but future classes as well.

For years, the graduating classes at The University of the Arts have had their graduation ceremonies at The Merriam Theater, a school owned building, which has proven to be a very inadequate venue due to capacity issues. Past graduating students were given 3 guest tickets. Making this year's number of guest tickets even more frustrating. Regardless, students have always been agitated by the severe lack in space for guests, but this is the final straw; 3 was not enough, and 2 is not any better. 

Students would like to be given the option to have more of their family and friends attend their graduation, not only for their class but future graduating classes as well. These students and their families pour so much money into this school and they work so hard for 4 years; not being able to have a proper graduation ceremony with most, if not all, their family and friends is incredibly disheartening. 

There are so many other venues that the 2018 graduation ceremony could be held at. Since 2014, the University was well aware that the class of 2018 was bigger than average, so there was plenty of time to plan for this large event. Especially if previous classes have been complaining about the lack of tickets and venue space for years. This seems like an issue that should have been resolved long ago. 

So please, sign this petition if you'd like to help us make a change within our University, whether you are a fellow UArts senior, a UArts student, alumni, friend, family, etc. All signatures will be greatly appreciated! 

Update #36 years ago
Hello everyone!

Two other students and I met with President Yager and Maria DeSantis, Assistant Vice President for Academic Support Services, to discuss the commencement problem.

More locations on campus will be opened for guests to watch the livestream of the ceremony, allowing students to bring more guests to commencement.

After this year, commencement will not be held at the Merriam. They plan to book the Academy of Music next year, and are also open to looking into other larger venues.
Update #26 years ago
Great news!
The email to the UArts Administrative Staff has been written and sent.
The assistant to the UArts President has responded and will be arranging a meeting with the school President, Assistant Vice President for Academic Support Services, two other student representatives and myself, to discuss commencement.
Congratulations everyone, without your help we would not have made it this far! A following update will be made after the meeting.
Update #16 years ago
We're quickly approaching our goal of 500 signatures! Thank you to everyone who has signed and addressed their concerns so far. Please keep sharing this petition with your fellow UArts peers, family and friends as well!

This week, I will be emailing members of administration at UArts, detailing our concerns + suggestions along with this petition of course. Other seniors and I plan on setting up a meeting with the President of the University as well.
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