 "Photo: Echo file photo")
Long and hot are some words that can describe NCCU's graduation last May in the O'Kelly Stadium.
The annual ceremony lasted well over three hours under severely high temperatures. In order to maintain traditions of the graduation program, there will be two ceremonies this year.
On May 13 all graduate and professional students will have their ceremony in the McDougal-McLendon gymnasium and on May 14 the undergraduate ceremony will take place in the O'Kelly Stadium.
The new revisions are expected to leave students and guests with a more pleasurable program.
"Our number one priority is of students and the safety of our guests," said Carlton Wilson, director of University Convocations.
Wilson was appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts on Jan. 4.
"Calling each and every name is important and we expect the ceremony to be no longer than two hours," said Wilson.
Students who also attended last year's ceremony experienced an uncomfortable setting.
"Last years ceremony wouldn't have been that bad if it hadn't been so hot and so long," said Sanina Barber psychology junior.
"Old people were falling out, and graduates that I know recalled it to be overwhelming."
With combined complaints from students and faculty members about the lengthy ceremony from last year, Chancellor Nelms made the final decision about conducting two different ceremonies earlier this month.
Wilson says that he and his graduation committee put in timeless work on a weekly basis to make sure that everything is in line for the upcoming ceremonies.
"I put in a lot of time and energy to be sure that our thousands of guests leave with a good memory on their hearts," said Wilson.
"Conducting this program is not simple, but it is something that I enjoy doing."
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