May 2002
Commencement Backup Plan: Finding a New Alternative
MCI Center To Be Ready
The University reached an agreement with the MCI Center
to provide the first alternate site plan for Commencement that will
allow all families and guests of the graduating class to attend the
day’s ceremonies if it cannot be held on the Ellipse.
“We’re really excited,” says Jim Hess, executive director
of University Events. “It’s the first time that we will actually
be able to accommodate all of the families, friends, and graduates in
one venue if, for some reason, we are forced to leave the Ellipse.”
Under the alternate site plan, Commencement would be held at the MCI
Center, located at 601 F Street at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro
Stop. If the University has to leave the Ellipse because of severe weather
or a US Park Service request, the ceremony will begin at the MCI Center
at noon May 19, with doors opening at 10 am. According to Hess, the
earliest start time for the MCI Center is noon, because a concert scheduled
at the venue the night before will prevent crews from getting the space
set before 10 am.
Hess explains that University officials had been in touch with the people
at the MCI Center since the facility first opened, trying to negotiate
an agreement to establish the venue as GW’s alternate site. Previously,
concerns about post-season play of the building’s two sports teams
— Washington’s professional basketball and hockey teams, the
Wizards and Capitals, respectively — prevented MCI Center officials
from offering the facility.
“Each year they were reluctant to let us reserve the building,”
says Hess. “Now I think they have a few commencement ceremonies
under their belt and they feel more comfortable dealing with this type
of an event.”
The light rain during portions of last year’s Commencement didn’t
impact the ceremony.
“The Ellipse policy is rain or shine, unless it’s a safety
issue. If the safety of those on the Ellipse is at stake, that’s
when we would make the call to leave,” Hess says.
“We are working with Roger Kapoor, the 2001–02 Student Association
president, and incoming Student Association President Phil Robinson,”
Hess adds. “We’ve asked them for input on the criteria for
any move to implement the back-up plan.”
Information about the status of Commencement weekend events will be
available on a 24-hour basis throughout the week at 994-5050 and on
the Web site at www.gwu.edu. This information will be updated immediately
in the event of changes to the weekend schedule and/or the Commencement
ceremony.
Shuttle Bus Service
Commencement guests may walk to the Ellipse or use the shuttle bus service
located on campus on Eye Street between 21st and 22nd streets. Shuttle
buses will operate continuously from 7:30 am until 1 pm between the
campus and the Ellipse. Board buses well before 9 am if you plan to
see or be in the academic procession. If Commencement is moved, there
will be shuttle bus service to the MCI Center. Wheelchair accessible
shuttle buses will be in service.
Campus Parking
Each graduate will receive one parking permit for May 19. This permit
is for one space in the University Parking Garage (entrance on H Street
between 22nd and 23rd streets) or the Marvin Center Garage (entrance
on H Street between 21st and 22nd streets). Since parking will be extremely
limited near the Ellipse, it is recommended that guests park on campus
and use the shuttle bus service or public transportation to get to the
ceremony.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
