We, the December 2025 graduates of Samuel Merritt University, respectfully request that the university reconsider the current graduation ticket limit of four (4) per student and increase it to five (5) tickets per graduate for the upcoming commencement ceremony.

Samuel Merritt University's Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California. A 1:00 PM ceremony will be held for the Master Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, RN to BSN, and ABSN programs), and Master of Science in Nursing programs.

This event represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice — not only by the graduates themselves, but also by the families, friends, and loved ones who supported us throughout this journey. For many of us, this marks the completion of a terminal degree, such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master Physician Assistant (MPA), RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN), Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). It is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that we hope to share in person with all who helped make it possible.

The Paramount Theatre has a stated seating capacity of 2,850, and there are a reported 510 graduates scheduled to participate in the December 2025 ceremony. Allowing one additional guest per graduate would result in approximately 510 more guests overall, while still leaving around 300 seats available for faculty, staff, and other guests within the venue’s total capacity.

While we appreciate that the university provides a livestream option for family and friends who cannot attend, virtual attendance simply cannot replace the experience of being physically present for such a milestone. Walking across the stage and seeing our loved ones in the audience is a moment many families have waited years — or even generations — to witness in person. The emotional connection, shared pride, and memories of that day cannot be fully captured through a screen.

We believe this modest adjustment is both reasonable and achievable, and would:

1. Allow immediate families to celebrate together, especially those with multiple parents, siblings, or grandparents who have supported the graduate’s success.
2. Promote inclusivity for graduates whose loved ones are traveling from out of state or abroad.
3. Enhance the overall spirit of community and accomplishment that defines the Samuel Merritt experience. Expanding in-person access reflects the university’s values of community, inclusion, and compassion — the same principles our programs teach us to uphold in patient care and leadership.
4. Recognize that many students in the nursing, physician assistant, and doctoral programs are first-generation college graduates or working adults whose support systems include more than four immediate family members. An additional ticket would allow for equitable family representation across diverse cultural and family structures.
5. Utilize the Paramount Theatre’s existing capacity to accommodate this small increase without compromising safety, comfort, or reserved seating for faculty and staff.

In short, this request is modest, logistically feasible, and deeply meaningful. Allowing one additional guest per graduate honors the commitment of our families and upholds the values of inclusion and compassion that Samuel Merritt University instills in all of its graduates.

We submit this petition respectfully to the Dean of Departments and Graduation Organizing Committee, with the hope that this request will be carefully reviewed and considered for approval.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to making commencement a meaningful and inclusive event for all graduates.

Sincerely,
The December 2025 Graduating Class
Samuel Merritt University
MSN | MPA | RN-BSN | ABSN | BSN | DNP Programs