2008 Woodie Awards
December Graduates: Left Out In the Cold
Jordan O'Donnell
Issue date: 10/19/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Graduation can be an exciting time for college seniors, but due to recent budget cuts, the winter ceremony at William Paterson University has been canceled; this means students anticipating graduation in January will have to wait another five months for their ceremony.
University President Arnold Speert said commencement was a significant but necessary cutback, and that maintaining an effective teaching environment is most important to the University. Cutting the winter commencement saved the school about $50,000.
Dr. Glen Sherman, acting associate vice president and dean of student development, said that when budget decisions are made, the impact to students is taken into consideration.
"I'm sure in this case they made the best decision they could with the budgetary problems," said Sherman.
Dr. Marc Schaeffer, chief of staff to the president and board of trustees, said that the University is now expecting about 1,600 seniors to graduate during the May commencement, which are 500 to 600 more than usual.
"We are still looking for alternate outdoor venues for future graduations, including but not limited to Valley Road (campus)," he said.
JoAnna Fabiano, a senior communication major, said that this is an unfortunate situation for those affected, but that students will adjust.
"I understand the administration's decision; (students) can still graduate, just not walk," said Fabiano, adding that other NJ schools, including Monmouth University, have done the same thing.
Students are still disappointed by the cancellation.
"It's a real pain, and I feel so let down," said Stefanie Andino, who is scheduled to graduate in January 2007.
Andino's post-graduation plans needed to be changed when she learned about the cancellation. She now must postpone moving to Florida to live with her family.
"I have to change everything because of this," she said.
WPU seniors will have to make a decision between waiting an additional semester to attend the graduation ceremony, or not participate at all.
University President Arnold Speert said commencement was a significant but necessary cutback, and that maintaining an effective teaching environment is most important to the University. Cutting the winter commencement saved the school about $50,000.
Dr. Glen Sherman, acting associate vice president and dean of student development, said that when budget decisions are made, the impact to students is taken into consideration.
"I'm sure in this case they made the best decision they could with the budgetary problems," said Sherman.
Dr. Marc Schaeffer, chief of staff to the president and board of trustees, said that the University is now expecting about 1,600 seniors to graduate during the May commencement, which are 500 to 600 more than usual.
"We are still looking for alternate outdoor venues for future graduations, including but not limited to Valley Road (campus)," he said.
JoAnna Fabiano, a senior communication major, said that this is an unfortunate situation for those affected, but that students will adjust.
"I understand the administration's decision; (students) can still graduate, just not walk," said Fabiano, adding that other NJ schools, including Monmouth University, have done the same thing.
Students are still disappointed by the cancellation.
"It's a real pain, and I feel so let down," said Stefanie Andino, who is scheduled to graduate in January 2007.
Andino's post-graduation plans needed to be changed when she learned about the cancellation. She now must postpone moving to Florida to live with her family.
"I have to change everything because of this," she said.
WPU seniors will have to make a decision between waiting an additional semester to attend the graduation ceremony, or not participate at all.
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