EUGENE, Ore. -- (Oct. 6, 2010) - It's still early in the academic year at the University of Oregon, but commencement already may be on the minds of seniors. For those making plans or counting down the days, the 2011 spring commencement will be Monday, June 13.
The UO leadership team has confirmed a permanent move for graduation ceremonies. They will occur Monday after spring term finals week. Upcoming dates include: Monday, June 13, 2011; Monday, June 18, 2012; Monday, June 17, 2013; and Monday, June 16, 2014.
The 2010 spring commencement, which was scheduled on a Monday, started new traditions including the renewed Duck Walk and Grad Fest food and activity options. Visitors offered positive feedback to the changes that had been in the works for more than a year.
According to Robin Holmes, UO's vice president for student affairs, the new traditions were successful because of an energized, open campus where graduates, families and guests are encouraged to tour and visit buildings and museums. Many of the buildings are typically locked on weekends.
"We were pleased with the celebratory atmosphere at the 2010 commencement and plan to continue to expand the activities. We are excited to move the date to Monday in the future," said Holmes.
The UO has heard concerns expressed by some graduates, their families and some faculty about scheduling graduation on Monday. "Ultimately the benefits for the overall experience are amplified on a Monday. We are communicating the dates now to enable advanced planning for 2011 and beyond," said Holmes.
With 30,000 visitors and 29 events, dozens of university staff and faculty are needed to coordinate the events on commencement day. Scheduling events on a traditional work day reduces the overtime costs associated with staffing resources in addition to showcasing the university as a hub of activity.
"We're always looking for ways to be efficient with our resources, but more important, we need to provide the celebratory atmosphere graduates deserve after completing their time with us," said Holmes.
Other universities that host commencement on weekdays include Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Emory University and Princeton University.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
CONTACT: Julie Brown, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu
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