UNO students say questions remain after fall graduation reinstated
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Graduation is back on for the fall 2024 class at the University of New Orleans, but some students still have mixed feelings over the news.
“We are not test subjects,” said a UNO student.
“For that to initially be taken away, and slightly given back to us in a manner that is not equal to the graduation that every other student before us has received, doesn’t seem fair,” said UNO senior Nathaniel Kinchen.
The cancelation came after several budget cuts and a decline in the student population.
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After an online petition about the cancelation of graduation, however, UNO President Kathy Johnson announced it is now back on, but will look slightly different.
It will be held in several smaller settings for fall graduates, but some students still aren’t happy.
“They are trying to hold smaller ceremonies, not even at the arena. We want the same graduation that everyone else has. We want to walk across the arena stage, with our whole class, and have the ceremony,” said UNO senior Madison Seals.
With school set to start on Aug. 19, the students want to know why administrators have yet to answer any of their questions.
“We just want communication. We want dialogue and we want our opinions to be heard and respected. I’m hoping for action,” said Kinchen.
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“If they could see us, and meet us as the actual students, I feel like that could make an actual difference,” said Seals.
Some say they understand the cuts, but don’t believe that they, as students, should be penalized as a result. All they want at the end of the day, they say, is to walk with their entire class.
“Why don’t we deserve that? I really am hoping that we can get a sit-down meeting with President Johnson and potentially other members of the board as well. Just to try to find some kind of resolution to this. Something that works for everybody and makes everyone happy” said Kinchen.
Details on the specific dates and times of these ceremonies are still being finalized. Students plan to hold a rally on the first day of school about the lack of communication and dramatic changes from administrators.
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