After serious discussions and with considerable input from all campus constituencies, the Commencement Committee and Student Government Association have recommended that the summer commencement ceremony scheduled for August 7, 2009 temporarily be suspended as a cost-cutting measure during these austere times. Given the severity of economic conditions, I must concur.

As you are aware, University of North Carolina campuses, including Western Carolina, and all state agencies have experienced significant appropriation reversions during the current fiscal year and face substantial cuts in state-appropriated funding for fiscal 2009-10 due to the uncertain national financial situation.   Reductions in the work force and/or employee furloughs, especially during summer months, are probable.  Working with the vice chancellors, deans, department heads and directors to produce efficiencies,  to trim costs while preserving mission-critical services, and to protect faculty and staff positions, we are making every effort to minimize the impact of the budget crisis on our most valuable resources – the faculty and staff who serve our students.  We are determined to maintain the long-established quality of a Western Carolina education.  I will continue to keep you apprised of developments as they occur.

The summer exercise is the smallest of the three commencement ceremonies held on our campus each year, but the expense of mounting such events is about the same regardless of the number of candidates for graduation. Associated costs include setting up and taking down the stage, staffing the event, printing the programs – even the electricity used to light the arena.  Although the summer commencement ceremony will not be held this August, those students who complete their degree requirements this summer will receive their diplomas as usual and are invited to participate in the fall commencement ceremony to be held on December 19, 2009.

The spring commencement ceremony, held in May each year, is by far the largest, and will continue as scheduled in spring 2009 and 2010.

We certainly understand that this decision will affect a number of our students and their families, who may be unable to return to campus in December. This decision in no way diminishes the hard work, the determination, and the hours of study that have enabled these students to complete their degree requirements. It simply is a sign of our turbulent economic times.

Sincerely,

John Bardo
Chancellor