Although some graduating seniors might have been relieved to find out that this spring's commencement ceremony won't be held at Eastern Michigan University, they'll be disappointed to hear that it won't be held at the Big House either.

The University's Commencement Advisory Committee announced Friday that the final two venue options for this spring's commencement ceremony are Elbel Field, located on South Campus, and the Diag.

A letter released by University Provost Teresa Sullivan and E. Royster Harper, the University's vice president for student affairs, cited the difficulty and environmental impact of converting the Big House's construction site into a safe venue, lack of emergency vehicle access and concerns about the safety of holding the ceremony while the Big House was under construction as reasons why it was not a feasible option.

The letter also said there would be financial risks if the Big House's construction schedule were interrupted and legal risks if the construction contract between the University and the contractor were altered to accommodate the ceremony.

Officials were also reluctant to risk preventing the stadium from being ready for this fall's opening football game.

"In our judgment, the number and magnitude of risks, uncertainties, problems and costs associated with holding an event for 25,000 people in the midst of a major construction zone are simply too great," the letter said.

The letter said the Commencement Advisory Committee chose Elbel Field, located at 336 Hill Street, and the Diag as finalists because both sites allow for a single ceremony that could be attended by all graduating students.

Both venues, the letter said, could fit enough seats to meet the amount of guest tickets desired by students, according to the results of last week's survey, gauging graduating students' preferences for the ceremony.

Graduates would receive eight tickets each if the ceremony were to be held at Elbel Field. If held on the Diag, graduates would receive six tickets each.

A second survey will be sent to the graduating class today to gauge student preferences on the two venues. Officials will announce a decision by Feb. 12, with another student forum to take place the following day so students can give their feedback on the decision.

LSA senior Jane Rho said she was disappointed that the Big House had been completely ruled out as an option, but nonetheless said she was thankful for the University's efforts to incorporate student input into this latest decision.

"I appreciate that they came out and told us as soon as they knew," Rho said. "I didn't even know that Elbel Field was being considered, but I'm going to try to keep an open mind about this."

LSA senior Justin Benson, vice president of LSA Student Government and a member of the advisory committee, said he was excited about the two options available for the ceremony. Having been involved in the discussions that led to the ruling out of the Big House, he said he understood why the stadium couldn't be used.

"The (Commencement Advisory Committee) and the administration are really going to work hard to make sure these two locations get the look and feel this senior class deserves," Benson said.