Seniors given chance to vote on graduation location

The administration has petitioned for student input regarding the class of 2000 graduation location. Among the three possible locations, administrators are hoping to come to a settlement that will be pleasing to the faculty and staff, students and their families.

by Janice C. Funk managing editor

Seniors who have been approved for either December 1999 or May 2000 graduation will have the opportunity to cast their vote on where commencement will be held.

Seniors will receive a packet in the mail over Christmas break that presents three different locations: the lawn of the Mansion, the Dixon Center, and a new possibility, the upper athletic field.

The packet and ballot, which will be mailed to students' home addresses, will be sent out on or around Dec. 20, according to Paul Weaver, acting dean of students.

Ballots are due Jan. 28, 2000. However, if less than half of grad- uating seniors respond with votes, the votes will not be considered, and Weaver will make the final decision.

The new procedure developed by Weaver, in conjunction with the administration of Cabrini College will give seniors the chance to examine the pros and cons of the three prospective locations.

According to Weaver, the goal of the new procedure is to help seniors make the best possible informed decision about graduation.

Information included in the packet will detail the advantages and disadvantages of each location in regard to handicapped accessibility, ticket availability and weather concerns.

Weaver hopes to receive more than half of the ballots back.

"When I became acting dean in the summer, one of the first things on my mind was commencement," he said.

With the new procedure, Weaver said, "I want the students to take ownership over their own commencement."

Senior Josh Hage, vice president of the Student Government Association, said of the voting, "I think it's good because it gives power to the seniors."

However, he does not expect that over half of the ballots will be returned.

Hage urged all students to cast their vote. "If you want things done your way, return your ballot," he said.

Senior class president Joe Elliott will take action to ensure that all graduating seniors will cast their votes.

Elliott plans to send letters to seniors reminding them to vote. In addition, he has scheduled two senior class meetings regarding commencement locations.

One meeting will be held before ballots are sent out, the second will be after break.

Ballots will be available at the second meeting for voting.