Southeastern's spring 2010 commencement ceremony recognized a record number of graduating students, conferring degrees to 1,138 students.
The ceremony was held on May 15 in the University Center on North Campus. The students were presented by guest speaker Maura Donahue, vice president of DonahueFavret Contractors in Mandeville, La.
Coincidentally, the spring 2010 semester also saw a record number of spring enrollments with 14,117 students, a five percent increase since spring 2009 semester. According to the spring 2010 registration report, 3,174 students came from St. Tammany Parish alone.
Other top parishes included Tangipahoa, 2,337 students; East Baton Rouge, 1,960 students; Livingston Parish, 1,765 students; Jefferson, 943 students; and Ascension Parish with 801 students. The spring 2010 semester has seen an eight percent increase in graduate students.
Some might guess that enrollment numbers would have a direct affect on graduation numbers. However, rather than enrollment, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jim McHodgkins thinks that the number of students graduating is directly affected by matriculation numbers (the number of enrolled students seeking degrees) because not all students enrolled in the university are seeking to graduate with a degree. According to McHodgkins, graduation numbers have risen because students have been scoring higher on the ACT as well as improvements to the quality of instruction in the classroom.
McHodgkins also said that the economy may or may not affect graduation numbers as well.
"It's hard to tell really," said McHodgkins. "We have a lot of students who work because they need money, so there's a time management issue. Also some students try to graduate quicker because they don't want to deal with more student loans."
McHodgkins is unsure wether or not the increase will continue.
The recent growth in enrollment was causing some concern with both faculty and students due to the effects of budget cuts. However, Dr. John Crain, president of Southeastern, stated in a February 2010 press release that the change was welcome.
"We are very pleased about the enrollment figures for spring," stated Crain. "In spite of the well publicized budget challenges we are facing in higher education, students continue to be attracted to the academic programs Southeastern offers."
Dr. Crain went on to say that even though that student numbers are climbing as well as the amount of funds cut, his administration will remain committed to providing quality education to students.