Dear Mr Bulent AYTAC,

Petition Against the Pricing of Diploma and Graduation Gown

WE hope this letter finds you well. We are writing on behalf of a group of students who are concerned about the current pricing for the diploma and graduation gown for our upcoming commencement ceremony.

We understand the importance of these items as they symbolize our academic achievements and the hard work we have invested over the past years. However, we believe that the current pricing set by the university is unreasonably high and poses a significant financial burden on many students.

Our specific concerns are as follows:

1. *Financial Strain: Many students are already struggling with the high cost of tuition, books, and living expenses. Adding a substantial fee for the diploma and gown exacerbates this financial strain, making it difficult for some to participate fully in the graduation ceremony.

2. *Comparative Costs: Upon reviewing the costs at other comparable universities, we found that our university's fees for these items are significantly higher. This disparity raises questions about the justification of such pricing.

3. *Equity and Inclusion: The high cost of these essential graduation items disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds, potentially hindering their ability to celebrate their accomplishments on an equal footing with their peers.

We respectfully request the following:

- A detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the diploma and graduation gown to understand the pricing structure.

- Consideration of a price reduction or subsidy to make these items more affordable for all students.

- Exploration of alternative options, such as rental services for the gowns, to alleviate the financial burden on students.

We believe that addressing this issue will not only benefit the current graduating class but also enhance the university's reputation for supporting its students' financial well-being. We are confident that with your support and consideration, a fair and reasonable solution can be reached.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and are available to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

FIU Graduating students.