1. Rice University Commencement: Potential Changes SA Discussion March 18, 2013

2. Reasons for Change Commencement Committee Potential Changes Advantages Disadvantages Discussion Outline

3. Too long and is getting longer with increased student population Lacks emotion and excitement Exhausting for some participants No time for student speaker Reasons for Change

4. John Hutchinson, Dean of Undergrads Paula Sanders, Dean of Graduate Studies Alex Byrd, Wiess College Master Keith Cooper, Chief Marshall Cynthia Wilson, Secretary to Board David Vassar, Senior Asst. to the President Christian Neal, Lovett College Senator Commencement Committee

5. Shortened plenary session Sat morning o Degree Conferral o Commencement Speaker o Student Speakers o Faculty and Student Procession Separate Undergraduate Ceremony o Friday evening in Academic Quad o Names Read o Student Award Winners Recognized Recommended Changes

6. More inspirational and meaningful Saturday session Shorter ceremony in the heat Better options for weather issues Student speakers Advantages of New System

7. Faculty highly encouraged to come to two ceremonies Families attend two events Drinking at Friday night Undergraduate Cermony Disadvantages