MUSC Commencement is a time in which graduates celebrate their achievements with their families. Graduates from the Colleges of Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy have worked very hard to reach this pinnacle of their education.  Traditionally, commencement has been held in the Horseshoe.  In the event of inclement weather, commencement was held at a smaller venue, the Citadel McAlister Field House.  Commencement 2013 was the first year in which students were required to limit the number of family and friends they could invite to 9 people because commencement was moved to the Citadel.   Many students have more than 9 people who were instrumental in helping them get to this point in their lives, and furthermore, more than 9 immediate family members.   Limited tickets for commencement forces students to eliminate very close family members and other special people in their lives from witnessing them get one step closer to achieving their goals.  Professional school is a milestone.  Some students are the firsts in their families to earn degrees in the prospective fields.  This is something that should be celebrated by all their family members and friends who would like to enjoy this once in a lifetime occasion.  On the other hand, there are students who have several generations of professionals in their families.  They too, deserve the chance to celebrate this momentous occasion with those who are so proud of what they have achieved.

Solution: North Charleston Coliseum

 We propose relocating MUSC Commencement to the North Charleston Coliseum.  The Coliseum is a climate-controlled building that is less than 10 miles from campus.  This eliminates the need to close clinics due to commencement and worries regarding inclement weather.  In addition, there is ample space (seating ranging from 11,000-13,000 depending on configuration) so students would not be required to limit their guests.  In addition, there are ushers to assist attendees and ample parking.  Lastly, there is convenient access for the handicapped at the Coliseum.  Other graduations and major concert events are held at this venue regularly; therefore, it would be more than adequate for MUSC commencement.

Since Commencement will not be held at MUSC, it is not necessary to keep it in downtown Charleston.  The Citadel is a lovely college with a rich history, but it is not where we all have earned our degrees.  If we cannot graduate on the Horseshoe, it would be better and more convenient for all students and families to hold graduation at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Last Resort:  In the event that the solution above does not work out and the only feasible option is for graduation to remain at McAlister Field House, allow Commencement to be a non-ticketed event (as it was in previous years in the event of inclement weather).  Seating would be on a first-come, first-served basis.  Overflow rooms would be available for those who do not make it into the gymnasium.  Therefore, students would still be allowed to invite all the family and friends who would like to share in this joyous occasion. 

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