7. Adam Gordon - How Oakland University’s IT Team Elevates Commencement

Adam Gordon, Manager of IT and Media Application Services at Oakland University, joins host Chase Rigby to peel back the curtain and look at commencement behind-the-scenes. They explore how Oakland’s IT team uniquely supports commencement, the challenges of integrating new technology, and the evolving digital trends in higher education ceremonies.

📝 Topics Discussed:

The unique role of IT in Oakland University’s commencement planning and execution.
How early-stage tech integration streamlines the ceremony experience.
The shift from paper-based processes to digital-first commencement solutions.
The challenge of balancing tradition with innovation in higher education.
Unexpected mishaps during graduation and how IT helps keep the event running smoothly.
How Oakland’s in-house IT team enhances efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity.

📌 Episode Highlights:

[00:01:32] Adam shares his own graduation experience at Oakland University—complete with Game Boys and Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
[00:04:28] How Oakland's IT team begins planning commencement months in advance.
[00:07:13] The advantage of having a dedicated IT team versus outsourcing for event support.
[00:10:45] The impact of integrating technology like GradPass to improve check-in and lineup efficiency.
[00:14:22] The growing shift toward digital-first commencement solutions and the challenges of institutional change.
[00:18:36] How Oakland University’s IT team manages last-minute tech failures and behind-the-scenes chaos.
[00:22:10] Lessons learned from real commencement-day mishaps—including mismatched graduate photos and barcode failures.
[00:26:41] The importance of continuity and institutional knowledge in running a smooth ceremony.
[00:29:57] The benefits of real-time troubleshooting with an in-house IT team.
[00:33:21] Why commencement is Oakland University’s "Super Bowl" and how IT plays a starring role.
[00:37:02] What the future holds for digital transformation in graduation ceremonies.

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This episode of The Liminal is brought to you by Tassel – transforming the way the world celebrates graduations. From AI-powered name pronunciation to seamless ticketing, stage displays, and post-event analytics, Tassel is your all-in-one platform for modern, inclusive commencements.

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Visit tassel.com to learn more and see how we’re redefining the future of commencements.

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