March 21, 2007
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Graduation >>

Betsy opened the meeting by informing the committee that something had come up and President Crowley would be unable to attend today’s meeting.  She also reported that Senator Susan Collins had graciously accepted the invitation to be this year’s commencement speaker.

The focus of the meeting then shifted to addressing issues previously identified as problems last year i.e. locked doors, lack of a floor manager, aisles being clogged with guests taking pictures, location of students being lined up (Betsy and Dean Egeler will discuss this and identify this year’s location), stage location, guest tickets, etc.

There was discussion regarding access to the gym and doors being open and at what time doors should be opened.  Last year there were some doors that had been locked limiting the access to the gym area causing distress for staff as well as guests trying to enter the gym.  Due to the problems encountered last year, there was a general feeling that there should be someone in charge, a “floor manager”.  Jason Parent volunteered to take on this responsibility, stating that with the help of six-eight people to delegate tasks (ushers, usherettes, hand out graduation programs, handle media and special seating, direct guests to seats, etc.) many of last year’s problems could be taken care of.  The idea was that Jason would ask staff members if they would be willing to work for four hours on graduation morning in exchange for eight hours of comp time.

The time that the doors would be open for guests to be seated was discussed with a suggestion made to open the doors at 8:30 a.m. rather than 9:00 a.m.  It was felt that this might alleviate some of the congestion of people trying to enter the gym at the same time.

Barry Ingraham had been invited to attend this meeting to address logistical issues as well as issues involving maintenance.  Barry inquired about the capacity of the gym – Betsy said that in the past she had been told 1200.   In a discussion about guest tickets given to students, Barry suggested that we have some method of counting the number of people being admitted to the gym and that he would take care of that.  

There was a discussion about the number and the method in which guest tickets are distributed.  There was a suggestion made to have the guest tickets available at the gym and given to guests as they arrive. Once the maximum (capacity) number of tickets had been exhausted, guests would be directed to the Lecture Hall to view graduation via simulcast.  It was voted that the method currently used would remain in place.

The tasks list was also reviewed and items assigned (list follows).

The following items were identified to be talked about at the next meeting:

-having the American and Canadian flags carried into the gym
         - how students will be lined up and the path they will take to arrive at the gym
         -Jason will report on what personnel have agreed to work graduation day and who’s
             responsible for what
         - doors – which ones will be locked and unlocked

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.




 LIST OF GRADUATION TASKS
Graduation – NMCC Gymnasium, Saturday, May 19, 2007, 10 a.m.


Diplomas – Betsy Harris
Caps and Gowns/Students – Betsy Harris
Caps and Gowns/Faculty – Joyce Campbell/Dr. Punches
Graduation Announcements – Betsy Harris
Programs – Jason Parent/Karen Gonya
Rehearsal (Wednesday, May 16, 1:00 PM, Gym) – Graduation Committee Members are encouraged to be present if available) – Bill Egeler
Guest Speaker – Diane Peters
Thank You Notes – Diane Peters
Special Guest Invitations – Diane Peters
 10.  Student Speaker – Betsy Harris/Kim Ferguson
 Videotaping – Nancy Gagnon/Dan Butts (Jerry Gagnon)
Organist – Nancy Gagnon (Betty Kent-Conant)
Clergy Selection – Nancy Gagnon (Rev. Morgan)
Reception after Graduation (Dining Commons) – Nancy Gagnon
Flowers/Bows for Seating Graduates and Faculty – Cindy Albert/Kim Ferguson
Ushers – Jason Parent
Stage Platform/Skirting/Drapes – Barry Ingraham/Brian McQuade/Jackie Nadeau
Security – Larry LaPlante
Seating (Maintenance will pick up) –  Betsy Harris
Ambulance – Shannon Cook
Flags/Fans – Barry Ingraham/Brian McQuade/Jackie Nadeau
Dressing Area/Students – Cindy Albert
Dressing Area/Faculty/Edmunds Conference Center – Cindy Albert/Nancy Gagnon
Student Guest Tickets – Betsy Harris/Shannon Cook
Faculty Line-Up – Dr. Punches
Signs – Lineup for Graduates (two sets/one for rehearsal and one for graduation) – Karen Gonya
Clean Grounds and Streets – Brian McQuade
Sign Language to Comply with ADA Law – Bill Egeler will send an e-mail to students to see if
       there is a need
Signs/Special Guests – Karen Gonya
Signs/Robing/Faculty & Students – Karen Gonya
Parking Signs – Jason Parent
Photographer – Betsy Harris
PA System – Bill Egeler (Greg Samuel)
Three Tables (one in back, one in front, and one on stage) – Jackie Nadeau
Door Stops – Diane Peters
Water for Speakers – Diane Peters
Platform Chairs (5-6) – Cindy Albert/Kim Ferguson
 

Last changed: Mar 28 2007 at 9:50 AM