Indiana Faces Backlash for Altering Graduation Ceremony Schedule for CFP

With unprecedented on-field success comes unexpected off-field challenges for Indiana University and its football program, which posted double-digit wins for the first time in school history en route a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

The 10th-seeded Hoosiers will travel to South Bend to meet in-state opponent Notre Dame on Dec. 20, the same day Indiana is to hold its winter commencement ceremonies. And therein lies the rub.

As reported by Athlon Sports, the ceremonies were originally scheduled for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. eastern time, but they have now been moved to 9 a.m. ET and noon, per a statement from the school. 

"Winter commencement ceremony times are changing so students graduating this December will have the opportunity to attend the IU football team’s historic appearance in the College Football Playoffs," the statement reads.

However, as Matt Wadleigh at Athlon Sports reports, IU students aren't necessarily onboard with the decision to move the graduation ceremony. 

"That’s ridiculous. I have to change all my restaurants reservations," one X user said. 

"If I were graduating in Dec 20th, I would also be upset with this change.," another wrote. 

"That’s disappointing," another said. 

"Indiana doesn’t care about education pass it on," a Notre Dame fan said. 

"No one can go and parents/family have already made arrangements," another wrote.

"Unless ur giving the graduates free tickets there's no reason to prioritize the game over the graduation like???" one wrote on Instagram. 

Another replied to that Instagram comment: "Precisely! This is an insane decision. prioritizing a sporting event over the academic achievements of graduating students sends a disappointing message about the IU's values."

It is a 3-hour, 15-minute drive from Bloomington to South Bend, Wadleigh notes, so students would still have time to commute to the playoff game.