Approximately 1,200 Southeastern students are set to receive their various degrees in this year’s spring graduation ceremony, taking place in the University Center on Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m.

The commencement speaker for this year’s graduation will be Dr. Randy Moffett, president of University of Louisiana System and former president of Southeastern from 2001-2008.

Graduates and those attending graduation should anticipate the heavy volume of traffic on University Avenue. From 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., University Avenue will be closed between West Tornado Drive and SGA Drive. Lion Traxx Shuttle buses, along with a legion of golf carts, will be in operation before and after the ceremony to accommodate those needing special transportation to and from their vehicles.

UC parking is expected to fill quickly, and all traffic on University Avenue will be diverted. Eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to West Tornado Drive to park at the UC, and westbound traffic will be diverted to SGA Drive. Due to the Holy Ghost Fair, North Oak Street will be partially closed to all traffic. This should affect those leaving the ceremonies, with traffic being directed to North Cherry Street.

Drivers not attending the commencement ceremony are asked to use U.S. 190 (Thomas Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064)  to avoid traffic.

Graduating students should arrive at 9 a.m., when they will be divided up into different lines according to the colleges and arranged alphabetically by the degree they will be receiving. The procession will start at 10 a.m. Each division of students will then be led into the arena by the dean of their college. President John L. Crain will then present them with their degrees.

Individuals will not be allowed on the arena to take photographs. However, a commercial photography service will be present to take individual shots of the graduates.

The graduates’ diplomas will be mailed on June 6. If the graduates have a change in address, they will need to inform the Office of Records and Registration.

For more information about spring 2011 graduation or the day’s events call the Office of Records and Registration at 985-549-2066 or the Office of Admissions at 985-549-2062.

“Graduation is exciting,” said Alan Guilbeau, who will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. “I feel like life is starting all over again.”