The University of New Orleans has announced a solution for graduates following the announcement that the university would not host a fall commencement ceremony. In an updated statement from President Kathy Johnson, the university will now hold several smaller, more intimate ceremonies in December at the University Center. This comes after pushback from graduates and their families on the decision to cut the fall ceremony entirely. Johnson issued the following statement about the solution: "My announcement earlier this week about December commencement sparked passionate and heartfelt responses from our students and their loved ones. I have heard you. Your reactions are completely understandable, and they have prompted me and the university leadership to think more creatively about how we might celebrate our fall graduates in a suitable manner. We have made the decision to hold several smaller, more intimate ceremonies in December in the University Center. Students will wear their caps and gowns and have their names announced as their families and loved ones cheer them on. "We are still working out all of the important details, including how the ceremonies will be separated, and the specific dates and times of each ceremony. I will share those with you before the start of classes on August 19. But I did not want to wait any longer to let you know that we are pursuing an alternative solution. I hope I have not given the impression that I do not value and appreciate the hard work and dedication that our graduates have exhibited during their time at the University. Nothing could be further from the truth. I will provide you with additional information in the coming days, and I look forward to taking part in the joyful culmination of your UNO experience in December."The announcement came following a series of budget cuts and layoffs after revealing a historic downsize in enrollment. Only 6,000 students currently attend UNO, so the gap between the tuition revenue from the current student population and budget expenses has gotten too large to ignore. In a letter to students, UNO President Kathy Johnson said leadership had been examining graduation patterns and commencement best practices in recent years, which showed that more students participated in the May commencement ceremony than in the December ceremony. "Given the expected amount of December graduates, the University has made the decision not to hold separate fall and spring commencement ceremonies moving forward. The next commencement ceremony will be in spring 2025; there will not be a December 2024 commencement ceremony. Students who graduate in fall 2024 will still receive their diplomas and have their degrees conferred in December. They are invited to participate in the spring 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2025. Graduates may bring as many friends and family members as they wish to the ceremonies in the Lakefront Arena. "The practice of holding only a spring commencement event will bring the University more in line with other institutions in New Orleans. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment that this may cause. We understand that it may prompt a change of plans for students whose families live out-of-state or out-of-country. We hope we have given you enough notice for you to make appropriate arrangements."On Thursday, the school issued a new statement saying university leadership is listening to concerns from students and their families and is working toward a potential solution. That statement read: “We care deeply about our students and their loved ones. We are listening to their concerns and perspectives, and we will be exploring a potential solution in December, UNO President Kathy Johnson.""I went from anger to quick sadness, so quickly. I called my family and just immediately broke down," Madison Seals, who is graduating in fall 2024, said.Seals was so upset when she learned UNO would not be holding a December 2024 commencement ceremony. Fellow classmate Nathaniel Kinchen shares her disappointment, especially since he says his 2020 high school graduation was online in the midst of the pandemic. "This coming four years later, it's obviously not what we wanted," Kinchen said. Kinchen organized an online petition that has already garnered hundreds of signatures. He and Seals want their voices heard and hope for a change of heart. The news comes one week after the university revealed that more than 70 jobs would be eliminated this year. According to the UNO president, more layoffs are expected to come throughout the upcoming school year, and the athletic department is going to make significant cuts as well.The building that will be closed is Milneburg Hall, which houses political science and government classes and is one of the oldest buildings on campus.Many students who were set to walk during the fall commencement tell WDSU this would be the first time for them, since they were not able to participate in their high school graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.