At the ceremony, graduates dressed in their cap and gowns will walk the stage and receive their diplomas from President John L. Crain. 
File Photo/The Lion's Roar

After their graduation prep is over, seniors will be able to celebrate Commencement. The ceremony will take place in the University Center on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.

The graduates-to-be will amass at the lower level of the University Center in alphabetical order by degree and at 10 a.m. the ceremony will begin. Marshals will assist the candidates’ personal items, which are not permitted during the procession of the candidate. After the ceremony, diplomas will be mailed out on Jan. 16. Senator John Alario will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the commencement ceremony. 

The university police made the changes to the visitor traffic. Traffic and changes in route should be anticipated from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. University Avenue stretch, between West Tornado Drive and Student Government Association drive, will be restricted. There will be diversions for local traffic through other roads when the roadways might get overcrowded. Additional parking will be off North General Pershing Street and SGA drive. For those unable to park near the University Center and those in need of specialty transportation, the Lion Traxx will be operational as well as golf carts. Visitors and students should arrive early to guarantee parking spots. Appropriate parking will be set aside for special needs or handicap guests and will be marked with placards. During the ceremony, there will be campus police and Acadian ambulances in case of emergency.

Second level entrances will be open for guests to enter through. First level entrances are not to be used by guests. If confused, ushers are available to clarify as well as to provide direction for seating and special assistance. Gate 4 has a handicap entrance option as needed. Professional photographers will be present at the ceremony and guests will be unable to take personal photos on the floor of the arena. Yearbooks of the previous year will be handed out to the graduates as they leave. 

Seniors are obligated to purchase any clothing or additional apparel beforehand, and the University Bookstore offers cap and gown ordering for graduation. The candidates are not allowed to have any non-university approved accessories or adornments on their cap and gown. The graduates are welcomed back in the next homecoming to pick up a yearbook of their senior year. 

Disruptive objects such as noisemakers, food or drink and especially alcoholic beverages are prohibited from the university grounds during the ceremony. 

As the ceremony might interfere with students’ rental textbook returns, any student dropping off rented books are advised to wait until after 2 p.m. on the day of the Commencement ceremony.

Those requiring special assistance can contact the Office of Records and Registration at 985-549-2066 or 1-800-222-SELU prior to the week of Commencement. Those who need to change the address so their diploma will be mailed can also contact registration.

 

Senator John Alario will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Courtesy of Office of Communications and Creative Service 

One student wears her graduation cap that shedecorated for the Spring 2015 Commencement.
File Photo/The Lion's Roar