Bryant University in Rhode Island has asked its graduating students to not take selfies on stage when they recieve their diplomas in May.
The move comes from the concern that University President Ronald Machtley’s social media presence and popularity could slow down the graduation ceremony.
“I tweet a lot, I have 2,200 followers on campus and I think the fear was … because I take a lot of selfies throughout the school year that it would become an epidemic,” he says. “Our staff was trying to protect me and the students from making this ceremony any longer.”
President Machtley also fears that onstage selfies could get in the way of photos taken by the school’s professional photographer.
“We have about 850 graduates, and we have a professional photographer snapping their picture when they shake my hand and get their diploma,” Machtley says. “I don’t think their mom and dad and grandma want to get a picture of them holding up their cellphone.”
However, students will have the opportunity to take selfies with the president following the event.
“We are going to find a time so that anyone who wants to take a selfie won’t feel deprived. I’ll be available for selfies,” President Machtley adds. “Graduation is the culmination of four great years. This is just a small piece of graduation.”