Utah State University will return to holding its commencement exercises exclusively in the spring, following five years of an additional ceremony in December. The change will take effect fall 2010.

 

The decision to return to a spring-only graduation ceremony was based on a number of decisions with budget constraints being foremost, said Sydney Peterson, USU chief of staff and chair of the commencement committee.

 

“Current budget cuts have precipitated the need to eliminate fall commencement exercises,” Peterson said. “This change is just one in a series of adjustments we are making to address cutbacks.”

 

Other factors in the decision included low participation rates and weather concerns. 

 

“We look forward to honoring and celebrating the achievements of our graduates in December, recognizing that many of them have been planning for this important event,” Peterson said.

 

This fall’s commencement is Dec. 11-12.

 

As was the practice in the past, students who complete requirements for graduation in the fall of 2010 will be able to participate in the spring commencement exercises in a combined ceremony.