Tickets to limit commencement access

Author: Leslie Lim

A new ticket-based reservation system will limit access to this May's high-profile commencement ceremony, according to commencement planners. The presence of former President Bill Clinton, who will deliver this year's commencement address, is expected to draw a larger than usual crowd, which has prompted the College to prioritize who will be able to attend the event.

Graduating seniors and their invited family members and guests will have the highest priority, said Secretary of the College John Emerson in an interview. Faculty, staff members and their families will be second in priority, as in previous years. Last in priority will be alumni in the vicinity, other students and the general public. Emerson expects numbers and other details to be finalized by mid-April.

"We want to plan the event as appropriately and nicely as we can for graduating seniors and their guests," said Emerson.

In the past, there has been no limit to the numbers of family members and guests seniors are allowed to invite. As an open event, commencement has drawn not only seniors and their families, but also other students, faculty, staff and townspeople.

With the new ticket system, each senior will be allowed six tickets, though they may be able to request more, according to Emerson. Seniors will be asked to fill out a ticket reservation form, indicating whether they will need all or more than their six tickets. The tickets will be available for pick-up during senior week.

For those requesting more, priority will be given to seniors who complete their forms before spring break. Febs returning to participate in commencement will go through the same process to get their tickets. Any remaining tickets will be available on the College's box office Web site.

Emerson stressed the fact that the College does not know whether ticket allotment will have to be limited yet.

"We have no way of knowing what level of interest there will be," said Emerson.

Commencement coordinator Kathleen Knippler said the College will try to make seats available for as many people as possible.

"We will accommodate as many guests of seniors as we can within reason," wrote Knippler in a Feb. 21 e-mail to seniors.

Because of the expected high demand, the commencement ticket plans are processing in stages, assessing the interest and demand of one group before moving to address the needs of another, according to Emerson.

"[Tickets] would allow for crowd control, which is good," said Wonnacott Commons CRA Jasmin Johnson '05, "and would put more structure into what was once a really open for all event, which is not so good - but perhaps that's what we have to sacrifice in having such high profile speakers come to Midd."

In addition to the increased interest in Clinton's speech, the administration also faces other challenges involved with bringing a former U.S. president to the College. With Clinton's busy schedule, it is not yet confirmed whether he will participate in the commencement procession.

Clinton's security contingent also presents an added logistical challenge, although Emerson was confident that the College would be able to handle the increased security needs. He cited Chief Justice John Roberts' recent visit as evidence that the College can accommodate federal security.

With the anticipated increase in interest, the administration is exploring additional ways to bring the address to a wider audience.

"We are hoping to carry this event live on Midd media - campus TV and radio, with pending approval from Clinton's office staff," said Emerson.

Shuttles will run from several hotels around Middlebury to minimize parking constraints. Emerson also pointed out that the 7,600 seating capacity for the address is not necessarily limiting - in past years, many people have stood outside of the seating area.

"[Increased demand will] change the dynamics to some degree," he said. "But we plan to minimize change and accommodate as many people as we can."

The ticket-based attendance system has disappointed some underclassmen who will be served last.

"I think that if it were at all possible, it should be open to all students," said Kristen Faiferlick '10, "but I understand why they're using the ticket system this year."

Others pointed out that high profile speakers in past years have not warranted changes to the process.

"I actually assumed it was like that before. It seems reasonable," said Merrick Kingston '07. "In light of the fact that there have been high-profile speakers in the past, it's surprising it hasn't been done before and it's the first time this year."