Here is the e-mail’s full text. Expect a larger story soon.
Colleagues:
About one year ago we were instructed to resolve the conflict between 2010 UO Commencement and the NCAA Track and Field Finals taking place at Hayward Field. After many discussions with many groups it was concluded that most issues could be overcome, but that we were concerned about hotel capacity. Judging from the Olympic Trials, there was not enough hotel space for both track fans and student families. After considering many alternatives, we selected a suggestion to move commencement up one week. This has been controversial.
There have been two significant environmental changes that have led us to reconsider. First, the NCAA is seriously considering eliminating regional qualifying meets for the NCAA Finals. This would free up a week and move the NCAA final forward one week. President Lariviere, Athletic Director Bellotti and Associate Athletic Director Lananna have all been working with the NCAA on this issue. Second, while the crowds at the USA Track and Field Championships this year were record setting, they were much smaller than the Olympic Trials causing us to reevaluate the hotel capacity issues.
Even though we are not yet certain that the NCAA will eliminate the regionals, we are comfortable moving UO Commencement 2010 back to its originally scheduled date of June 12, 2010, after finals (both kinds). Thank you for your patience while we find the best way to accommodate these two important events. We are very pleased that we are able to return UO Commencement to Saturday, June 12, 2010.
Regards, Jim