The spring commencement ceremony that is normally held here at Sacramento State will now be held at Arco Arena.

Frank Whitlatch, associate vice president of Academic Affairs, said that there are many different reasons the commencement ceremony was moved.

“It eliminates the possibility of having students, guests or staff having to deal with very hot weather,” Whitlatch said. “It also eliminates the possibility of people having to deal with the rain.”

Whitlatch added that the ceremony was also moved so people could be kept away from the construction that is going on, and it is less expensive to have the ceremony at Arco Arena than at Sac State. The exact figures were not available by press time.

Professor Nick Burnett, department chair of the Communications Studies Department, said he was surprised that the ceremony was moved, but he does not have a problem with the change.

“The department chairs were surprised by this change,” Burnett said. “I actually think it is a fine thing, and I remember at the time of the announcement someone saying it is actually cheaper to do the graduations at Arco than at the stadium.”

Burnett added that he was surprised that is cheaper to have the graduation ceremony at Arco Arena rather than to have the ceremony at the stadium here at Sac State.

Senior social science major Amy Stewart said she was happy that the ceremony is going to be moved to Arco Arena instead of having the ceremony at the stadium.

“While I did look forward to graduating outside in the beautiful May weather, having the commencement ceremony at Arco makes complete sense,” Stewart said.

Stewart added that moving the ceremony will keep older relatives out of the heat, and also means that all the people attending the ceremony will not have to struggle with parking at Sac State.”

Philip Malan can be reached at [email protected].