NEW: URI Students Blast Dooley’s Moving Graduation Indoors
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Students have begun voicing opposition to URI's decision to move this year's commencement activities indoors for security purposes.
The change.org petition, started by Jacqueline Atkins, can be found here. On it, it states:
"As students we have worked very hard to get to where we are today. We want our friends and our families to be able to celebrate one of the most significant days of our lives with us. We want to do this outdoors, on the quad, where we have many fond memories of URI. We know that we need to remember what happened in Boston, but we cannot live our lives in fear, to do so would be to give into terrorists. Other outdoor events and commencements will be happening and we hope URI will be among them!"
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTKelly Harris, a graduating senior in public relations and political science at URI, said, "I find it absurd that a multitude of Boston colleges can have their ceremonies outside, life as usual, but URI can't. We claim that we "Think Big" at URI, but this is not thinking big. This is cowering in the corner and letting fear dictate our lives."
"Threat of terror attacks on our country are sadly nothing new. Why is URI overreacting to an isolated incident that did not even occur in our state?" asked Harris. "Essentially, URI is ruining graduation for thousands of students by holding it inside. Not only does it kill tradition, it will double the length of the ceremony for CELS and Arts and Sciences."
URI Announcement
President David M. Dooley announced today that URI's 127th undergraduate commencement exercises will be held at the Thomas M. Ryan Center on Sunday, May 19.
According to a release put out by the University, "The decision to move commencement to the Ryan Center this year reflects the ongoing assessment of safety and security measures across the University."
"The decision to activate our alternative location plan this year was made after a review of multiple alternatives and a thorough examination of best practices for ensuring safety at such a large and critical event," said President Dooley. "Recent events remind us all that, even in the safety of our own communities, we must be vigilant. These events have reinforced our resolve to improve all that we do to ensure the safety of our community. We want everyone who attends our 2013 Commencement ceremonies to have a day full of joy and pride. That begins with doing all we can to provide a safe environment for our celebrations."
The release continued, "The Ryan Center is the largest and most appropriate venue to accommodate the more than 3,000 undergraduates and some of their guests (each graduating student will receive two guest tickets with their cap and gown). The Ryan Center already serves as an alternative location for commencement. The University has a comprehensive plan in place for that site. This will be the second time since 2009 that the Ryan Center has been used for the main commencement ceremony."
David Lavallee, Assistant Director of Communications at URI told GoLocalProv today,"There's concern that people won't be able to see the ceremony. As stated in our release, it is at the individual college ceremonies where families and friends will be able to see the important moment when their student crosses the stage to receive their degree. No tickets are needed at these locations."
Lavallee continued, "Every graduating senior will receive two tickets for their guests to attend the 90-minute main ceremony, at which commencement speeches and honorary degrees are presented. The main ceremony will be streamed live on large screens at five satellite viewing locations (Edwards Hall, Keaney Gymnasium, Mackal Field House, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, and Memorial Union Ram's Den)."
Addressing Safety Concerns
"The decision was made to move the commencement ceremony indoors due to the recent incident on our campus, as well as those in Boston," said Lavallee. "Following the incident in Chafee Hall last month, there was a great deal of anxiety voiced by students regarding safety on campus, and we take those concerns seriously."
"The Ryan Center has its own contracted security team that will be utilized for commencement, it addition to campus police, South Kingstown police, and fire and EMS," said Lavallee. "We absolutely see this as a prudent move in light of recent events, for the safety of our students and community."
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