Pomp and circumstance, caps and gowns, tears of joy, tassel-turning and empty diploma folders. All of these items require one common denominator a commencement ceremony.

Until December, students who finished course requirements at the end of the fall semester had only two options:return to SIUC in May to attend commencement or forego the festivities completely.

For many students and their families, the graduation ceremony is a culmination of at least four years of hard work and thousands of dollars in tuition. It is a chance to celebrate and participate in a long-standing tradition. But many students had to miss the event because they could not return in May.

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Finally, the University did something last semester. The administration decided to institute a winter commencement. The University showed that student concerns are important at SIUC.

More than 700 students participated in the ceremony. The arena was standing-room-only for the 6,300 family and friends who attended, prompting plans for change to the next winter commencement..

Students have often complained about a lack of consideration from the administration. The handling of Select 2000 and athletic fees have left some students feeling the University does not care what students think.

The inaugural winter commencement Dec. 20 was an excellent example of cooperation between the students and administration.

First, the University took a student concern to heart. Often students feel their concerns go unanswered or ignored.

In this case, however, the students’ voice was heard, and answered. The University acknowledged a legitimate student concern and addressed it.

Second, the students did not disappoint the University. Attendance exceeded the University’s expectations and predictions. Sometimes, when student concern is addressed, students do not take advantage of the opportunity.

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One example occurred last fall, when several greek leaders were given the opportunity to draft ideas and changes for the Select 2000 initiative. Those students were lazy and required an extra meeting be scheduled to prepare the information. Such actions reflect poorly on the students and make getting the University to address future concerns difficult. If students act in such a fashion, why should the University be expected to take students seriously?

But the students showed up at this event. More than 160 faculty attended and even the weather cooperated to make the event a success.

Stephen Foster, associate director of records information for Admissions and Records said there was an estimated 20 percent increase in attendance at the winter ceremony, compared to the last combined commencement in August 1996.

Large turnouts at future winter commencements should make it a successful tradition at SIUC, and serve as a reminder of cooperation between students and administrators.