The graduating year flower area at the entrance to campus, known as the berm, is being relocated for Spring 2016 commencement.

The Binghamton University berm was constructed over 20 years ago to improve the entrance to campus. During commencement ceremonies, many graduates use it to pose for pictures in their caps and gowns. However, because the berm was in a traffic circle and the area became congested during commencement, safety became a major concern.

Physical Facilities’ design team began discussing a relocation two years ago. For years, Timothy Faughnan, Binghamton University chief of police, has voiced concern regarding the risk of having the berm in ongoing traffic.

“I don’t think there was really ever any question that it was going to move,” Faughnan said. “It’s much safer for students, for motorists, for everyone.”

Faughnan said that the spot should be more easily accessible to people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, as it previously had no pedestrian walkway. He said the berm also created a distraction for drivers.

The Campus Appearance Task Force, which consists of landscapers, architects, physical facilities and marketing, looks to improve campus with signs and safety regulations. It came together about a year ago to plan a campus-wide contest to determine where the new berm would go.

Students can vote on the University website until September 14 for where the berm should be relocated. Options include the Peace Quad, University Union, University Union North, West Gym and the Alumni Building as well as a write-in option. The Peace Quad is currently in the lead. The final decision will be made at the end of September, with work beginning in October or November and flowers being added in April.

Katie Ellis, senior director of communications and marketing for BU, said her department worked closely with physical facilities to help keep the campus well-maintained.

“It was always something that needed to be done,” Ellis said. “We didn’t have any particular accident or anything like that but it just is something people have talked about and finally said we have to do something.”

Flagpoles bearing the United States, New York state and Binghamton University flags will replace the berm, which was removed from its original location about two weeks ago.

According to Jesenko Muftic, director of design at BU, the flagpoles are a good replacement, but it is important not to forget about the berm.

“The flagpoles will be a much more prominent marker of the main entrance, there is no question about that,” Muftic said. “I fully support any traditions developed because we lack those in Binghamton. [The berm] is a little tradition but we need to cherish it.”

Graduates like Alim Uddin, who graduated in 2015 and double-majored in economics and Arabic studies, said that the berm is an important part of campus.

“I personally feel like removing that sign takes away from a tradition that graduating classes look forward to,” Uddin said. “It was a momentous occasion when you could finally stand on that hill and take your graduation picture with pride and with all of Binghamton as your background.”

Jared Fertig, who graduated in 2015 and majored in mechanical engineering, said that the berm’s location does not matter so long as graduates can still take their photos with it.

“I think it will be a sorely missed tradition,” Fertig said. “It makes people happy, but I don’t see why alternative sites won’t bring the same joy.”