As a work study in the Registrar’s office, I have an inside perspective on graduation and commencement that most students do not. It seems to me that there is a lot of confusion about these new graduation policies, especially regarding the reasons for instating them. In the January 30 article “New policies hinder seniors” it is inferred that one of the reasons for the new policy is to save on the cost of mailing out degrees to students. I can assure you that the new policy will not have this effect at all. Although the new policies do affect who can participate in the commencement ceremony, they will not affect when students actually graduate. There are currently plenty of students who graduate in either August or December. Many, if not most, of these students are no longer in the area to receive their degrees. Despite changing who can participate in commencement, these students will still receive their degrees in August and December.

There are many students who have pointed out that attending the graduation is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I certainly can’t argue that, and I understand how important it is to walk with one’s friends. What many don’t realize is that RPI has had a very open policy on who can walk in the ceremony. There are many other schools with policies very similar to our new policy. I realize that this change, not unlike most changes around here, has come as a shock to those who have been affected by it. We can all agree that commencement is a very important event. That being the case, doesn’t it make sense that only those who will be imminently graduating should be allowed to walk?

I have also noted that blame seems to be directed in the general direction of the Registrar’s Office, exemplified by the many people asking me why we have this policy. Please realize that the new policies were created by members of a number of administrative offices. Although the Registrar’s Office is where degree applications are brought it doesn’t mean that it’s also the only place that deals with graduation and commencement. I hope that this helps to clear up some of the confusion con-cerning this changing policy.

Matthew G. Zuckerman