Students across campus are counting down the days until their last class and exam. Most seniors however are counting down until their commencement ceremony.

But, some are questioning the university about the number of tickets they are receiving for their Spring 2023 graduation at the Stroh.

According to the university’s commencement webpage, “Graduates who RSVP to their ceremony will receive five electronic guest tickets. Tickets are required for entry into the Stroh Center and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Electronic tickets will be sent to the graduate’s BGSU email by April 21. No additional tickets will be provided. Guests aged two and under do not require tickets.”

This raises the question, why only five tickets? Is it the venue? Is there a surplus of graduates at each ceremony? If so, why are multiple colleges graduating together?

According to University Spokesperson Colleen Rerucha, there are multiple things to consider when it comes to making decisions about commencement.

She said students are only receiving five tickets as a safety measure.

“The safety of our graduates and guests is a top priority, and BGSU is required to adhere to fire code and safety protocols based on building capacity,” Rerucha said.

When asked about changing the venue to a larger location, such as the Doyt, Rerucha said that outdoor venues are not an option for spring graduations.

“Outdoor events are weather dependent and there would not be a backup indoor location that could accommodate a large number of guests should the ceremony need to move indoors,” Rerucha said.

Venues and the number of ceremonies are determined by the overall number of students graduating, according to Rerucha. Numbers are determined by tickets claimed by students while RSVPing.

“Tickets are based on the number of graduates at each ceremony and building capacity. Tickets fluctuate given the total number of graduates. For example, in Spring 2019 and Spring 2021, four tickets were available per graduate. In Spring 2022 and Spring 2023, five tickets were available per graduate,” Rerucha said.

With only five tickets being available to each student, it is causing stress over which family members to pick and choose to be at the in-person ceremony.

Some are even having to prepare a year in advance for their graduation ceremonies.

“We have a big family as most probably do. College is a huge accomplishment and my son’s class didn’t even get a traditional high school graduation due to Covid. Four tickets don’t even cover his parents and siblings, as he’s one of four, with two younger siblings that look up to him,” said Bess Benn, a parent whose son will be graduating next year. “Grandparents will not be able to attend unless I beg and buy tickets off of others that will not be using them, as if college isn’t already expensive enough. High School (graduations) gives 10 tickets but college only four, that’s ridiculous. Adding to that he’s the first in our family to graduate from college.”

Other students have to hunt for available tickets off of other students through places like Facebook Marketplace or online resale groups.

“I am not frustrated with the number of tickets. I understand the large capacity that spring graduation draws. I am however frustrated that people are selling, and paying, ridiculous amounts for tickets that the university gives graduates for free. People turned me down after offering me tickets because I wasn’t paying them more than $50 for tickets they got for free that they weren’t planning to use anyway. While I think it would be nice if graduates got more

tickets, I wish there was a way for people to stop scamming others,” said Madison Oltersdorf, a graduating senior.

One student even recommended that the ticketing process be completely remodeled.

“I think the university should ask how many tickets you want up to five. Then once everybody RSVPs, you can buy extra tickets from the university. This way people who need an extra ticket don’t have to go hunting for them. It’s a big moment of your life and you want to share it with the people you care about,” said Reagan Faunce, a graduating senior.

When asked about the tough decision students are having to face and the almost black market the lack of overall graduation tickets is creating, Rerucha simply commented that the university will be providing a live stream for those who are unable to attend.

“A live stream is offered on BGSU.edu and the BGSU Facebook page for guests unable to attend the ceremony in person,” she said.