Graduation changes aim to shorten commencement ceremonies

After years of constant growth and increased enrollment, Lipscomb has chosen to hold two commencement ceremonies for May 2014 graduates.  Lipscomb expects to have over 700 seniors graduate or participate in the May 3rd commencement ceremonies. The university has seen an 86 percent growth rate over the past nine years. “It’s based on numbers so that the groups can be more comfortable,” said Jacqueline Langston, an administrative assistant from the Registrar’s office. The ceremonies will be divided by graduate and undergraduate students. Graduate and pharmacy students will participate in the 10:30 a.m. ceremony. Undergraduate students will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Both ceremonies will take place in Allen Arena, with doors opening one hour before each ceremony. “We can’t anticipate the upcoming years, it will depend on the numbers and enrollment,” Langston said. “Nothing is set in stone [for future ceremonies] and it will be decided at the necessary time.” With splitting the commencement into two ceremonies it allows each ceremony to be focused on the individual group graduating and also cuts down on the length of time for the ceremony. Photo courtesy of...