The College of Arts and Sciences natural sciences commencement ceremony was rescheduled to 7:30 p.m. due to heat, combining it with the CAS graduate commencement ceremony.

The ceremonies were scheduled to take place in Autzen Stadium but have been rescheduled to Matthew Knight Arena.

University of Oregon spokesperson Angela Seydel said the covering for the turf caused extreme heat on the field, with temperatures reaching 155 degrees by midafternoon.

“That (temperature) is not safe for anyone, so we had to find an alternative,” Seydel said.

Temperatures this afternoon were forecast to hit 97 degrees. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Portland office issued a heat advisory for Eugene and the surrounding region at 7:40 a.m. today. The heat advisory expires at midnight tonight. Temperatures are expected to cool through the rest of the week.

Seydel was not aware of any severe heat-related illness that took place as commencement preparation began.

“We had extra paramedics, and there have been some people who reported feeling overheated, but they have all been cared for by paramedics on site,” Seydel said.

Subbu Nagarajan, a graduating UO student, was supposed to have his ceremony at 2:30 p.m., but Nagarajan said at that point ceremonies were already being postponed.

Nagarajan said he was glad the university was paying attention to the heat index and “looking out for us,” but was also hesitant about going to a rescheduled graduation any time soon.

“If it’s postponed till later today, I’m not going. I’m too tired for that sh*t,” Nagarajan said.

Mostly, Nagarajan was regretting paying for his graduation garb.

“I feel like it’s just annoying because I paid $135 for the stole, the cap. That’s pretty much $135 for nothing,” Nagarajan said.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience, and we will get everyone safely graduated,” Seydel said.