PAGE 6D
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013
CELEBRATION
GRADUATION GUIDE
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Graduates celebrate commencement in Memorial Stadium while abiding by alcohol policies enforced by the Office of Public Safety.
Graduation alcohol policies to be enforced
NIKKI BISHT
nbisht@kansan.com
Commencement is around the corner. Of course, graduates are going to celebrate their years of hard work — especially the morning of graduation. Seniors have been known to walk from the Campanile to Memorial Stadium with champagne bottles in hand.
According to a statement issued by KU Public Affairs, "The consumption of all alcoholic and cereal malt beverages on campus is strictly prohibited during the Commencement ceremony."
Alex Allen, a senior from Overland Park, and her friends plan to bring champagne to celebrate their success.
"It would only enhance the experience of celebration by popping open a champagne bottle while with all my friends on the hill walking towards our future," Allen said. "It
would be an everlasting memory."
Because there is such a large group of students graduating, it can be hard to patrol. However Jill Jess, University spokeswoman, finds the act happening less.
"In past years, many students had begun celebrating before the afternoon ceremony," Jess said. "With the move to a morning time, we did see fewer students with alcohol. The situation actually
be aware of any punishment.
"Most graduates are cooperative if officials ask them to turn over alcohol or other prohibited containers," Jess said. "Anyone found to be consuming these will be asked
seems to be resolving itself to some degree with the change to a morning ceremony."
To prevent drinking, the Office of Public Safety will be stricter at commencement, and students who choose to bring champagne should
JILL JESS University Spokeswoman
to pour them out or give them to KU officials. As long as they aren't causing other problems, graduates shouldn't face consequences."
much.
Allen does not think bringing alcohol is bad as long as it does not disturb too
"It is not to hurt anyone or interfere with anyone else's celebration, so I do not see a problem with nor understand why people would" Allen said. "Liquor would be different, but champagne is a symbol of
celebration in our culture. I'm not trying to cause trouble or get into trouble. I just want to have a good time."
Officials recommend that graduates should avoid bringing alcohol altogether and enjoy their accomplishments with friends and family.
"Our society tends to include alcohol in celebrations," Jess said. "However, alcohol is not allowed on campus. There is plenty of time for responsible celebrations that include alcohol, if desired, outside of the commencement proceedings. Commencement is a celebration, and we anticipate a wonderful day and a festive mood on campus. We hope our graduates celebrate safely, and we congratulate them on the hard work they have accomplished during their time at KU."
Edited by Taylor Lewis
DANIEL PALEN/KANSAN
Although hundreds of students traditionally walk down the hill with an alcoholic beverage, the consumption of alcohol is still strictly prohibited.
Your graduation gift is a one-year membership in the KU Alumni Association your connection to all things KU! Compliments of the KU Alumni Association and KU Endowment
- Your alumni membership is effective June 1,2013 - May 31,2014
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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- To take full advantage of your benefits you must have a current mailing and email address (not a ku.edu address) on file with the KU Alumni Association
- Email kualumni@kualumni.org or call 785-864-4760 to update your mailing and email addresses
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Watch your email for a welcome message from the KU Alumni Association it will include your official electronic membership card
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Visit www.kualumni.org to learn more about the KU Alumni Association. Questions? Call 785-864-4760.
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