By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
Earlier this month, the Fort Hays State University Student Government Association posted a graphic on Instagram asking FHSU graduates and their families for feedback regarding the decision not to print graduation booklets at this year’s spring commencement ceremonies.
President Ella Burrows also sent out a survey asking what graduating seniors thought, and 22 graduates responded saying they were unhappy with the decision not to print the booklets. Burrows also said she has heard from over 75 students about the situation.
“I think that it clearly shows the significance of the issue,” she said
Burrows explained why it was so important to her.
“I would love to have the booklet as a keepsake and also for my family to see,” she said. “We recognize that the cost of printing programs is really expensive, especially for a school our size. So, we thought that there would be some other ways to still provide the graduates with the booklets.”
FHSU did not print graduation booklets at the 2024 winter commencement ceremonies.
FHSU President Tisa Mason spoke with Tiger Media Network to explain why the University chose to discontinue printing graduation booklets.
“After every commencement ceremony, we notice that many printed programs are left behind,” Mason said. “This level of waste was a significant factor behind our reassessment of the need for physical copies.”
Mason said the University did think about how to include booklets in some capacity, but with the amount of time left before commencement, there weren’t many feasible options.
“The solution that we made for this year is for those who wish to have a printed keepsake can get them printed at Northwestern Printers,” she said.
Mason encouraged those who want their own booklet to reach out to Northwestern Printers at (785) 625-1110. Printing costs will be the responsibility of the individual requesting booklets.
A digital copy will also be made available to scan and download at this year’s spring ceremonies.
“We will be more inclusive this way, so you can really get everyone in and it’s to the people that want it,” Mason said. “I totally see the emotion behind this issue.”