Wabash College students criticize dumping sheepskin diplomas

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Some students at a private liberal arts college in western Indiana are calling for transparency and communication after the all-male school ended a longtime practice of handing out sheepskin diplomas to graduating seniors.

The Indianapolis Star reports that Wabash College President Gregory Hess told students Tuesday about the planned end of the 187-year-old tradition and the switch to paper diplomas. Administrators say the change was made because the quality of sheepskin diplomas was worsening and the prices were increasing.

Hess noted that the Crawfordsville school made the decision in April. Roarke Tollar, a graduating senior, says he's concerned the school's decision to quit using the specialty diplomas presents a "slippery slope" as it pertains to what the administration is willing to eliminate.