Published: May 08, 2009 01:47 pm      

Indiana University students won’t get usual handshake from university president because of swine flu concerns

Left hanging

Students going in for a handshake during graduation at Indiana University Southeast will be left hanging.

That’s because of a decision by IU President Michael McRobbie to eliminate handshakes to comply with Indiana State Health Commissioner Judith Monroe’s recommendation to limit personal contact between people to keep the H1N1 flu, or swine flu, from spreading.

Amber Finkelstein, public information officer with the state of Indiana, said officials do recommend to avoid handshaking for now.

So, IUS graduates walking the stage Monday will be congratulated not by a handshake from McRobbie or Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles, but with them handing the graduates a diploma cover.

“It’s not really a big deal to me right now because I’m younger, but I think that I’d want it to feel accomplished,” said 19-year-old Lacey Bowman, who will start her sophomore year at IUS this fall. “Just carry antibacterial stuff.”

“The chances are real unlikely that we’re going to run into it, but because everyone’s a germophobic, we’ve got to be on the lookout,” said Chris Newton, who also will be starting his sophomore year. “Though, it’s kind of a tradition, the handshake, so it’s kind of a toss-up.”

The change will affect all IU campuses, with the exception of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, a campus administered by Purdue University. IPFW Chancellor Michael Wartell has decided he will shake hands, according to an IU press release.

Purdue College of Technology also will not have handshakes during its ceremony Thursday, according to Kim Medaris, marketing consultant for the office of marketing and media at Purdue University.

Ivy Tech Community College will not change any plans to shake hands during commencement, according to Jeff Fanter, vice president of marketing/communications at the college. He said there is no expectation that students shake hands if they feel uncomfortable.



SO YOU KNOW

• WHAT: Indiana University Southeast graduation

• WHEN: 4 p.m. Monday

• WHERE: IUS Amphitheater

• DETAILS: In case of rain, the event will move to the IUS Activities Building, and commencement will be held in two separate ceremonies. Commencement for arts and letters, continuing studies, natural sciences and social sciences graduates would be moved up to 1 p.m. Business, education and nursing graduates would stay at 4 p.m.

•••



• WHAT: Purdue College of Technology in New Albany graduation

• WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday

• WHERE: Ogle Center Auditorium at IUS

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• WHAT: Ivy Tech Community College graduation

• WHEN: 7 p.m. May 19

• WHERE: Northside Christian Church, 4407 Charlestown Road, New Albany