General Information

A. Any student who has not cleared all financial obligations to Southern University at Shreveport including graduation fee by April 14, 2022 will not be permitted to participate in commencement exercises, receive his/her diploma or a copy of his/her transcript until all financial indebtedness has been paid.

B. Appropriate Dress for Graduates - Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Attire: In order to participate in the commencement ceremony, all graduates must wear the cap, gown, and hood prescribed by the University and the attire requirements outlined in the commencement guide. Graduates who are not in compliance with the proper attire will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony. Please be reminded the cap ("mortarboard") and the gown cannot be decorated or altered in any manner.

Female Graduates
All females are to wear the following:
1. Black or Navy Blue lightweight dresses.
2. Navy blue or black shoes (3-inch heel height maximum). Flip-flops, beach thong sandals, or athletic footwear are not allowed. Hosiery is not required.
3. No dangling earrings (small studs are acceptable).
4. No blue jeans or shorts are allowed.
Male Graduates
All males are to wear the following:
1. Black or Navy Blue dress slacks
2. White shirt or white collared shirt.
3. Necktie or bow tie of choice.
4. No Jackets Please
5. Black or Navy Blue shoes. Flip-flops, beach thong sandals, or athletic footwear are not allowed.
6. Black or Navy Blue socks.
7. No blue jeans or shorts are allowed.

NOTE: ALL ROBES MUST BE WRINKLE-FREE

C. All graduates are required to secure regalia (cap and gown) from the University Bookstore.
No exceptions.

D. The appropriate cap for all degrees is the familiar black “mortarboard.” The tassel should hang to the right of the face. Following conferral of the degree, the tassel is moved to the left. The mortarboard is worn straight on the head with the point of the cap in the center of the forehead. You are NOT allowed to decorate or alter the mortarboard (cap). Failure to comply will result in removal from the processional.

E. We recognize that this will be a joyous occasion for you; however, the University requests that you conduct yourselves with the dignity befitting this solemn occasion. Furthermore, adornments not sanctioned by the University added to the caps and gowns (e.g., decoration of the mortarboard of the cap) are not allowed. If your attire is deemed inappropriate, you will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. The University wishes to maintain the dignified decorum this occasion deserves.

F. Ask your guests to be seated at least 15 minutes before Commencement Exercises are scheduled to begin. Once Commencement Exercises begin, no one will be allowed to enter until the processional is completed. You are free to invite as many of your family and friends as you like. NO admit card or invitation is required for them to attend.

G. Once the location is determined, graduates will receive detailed information on parking for graduation rehearsal and the actual commencement ceremony.
The details will be released via email at a later date. Students are encouraged to ensure SUSLA email accounts are active and viewed often.
Families and guests are urged to arrive in time to be seated 15 minutes before the start of the exercises. Ushers will be available to assist with seating.

H. A commercial photographer will photograph each graduate as his/her degree is presented. Students are encouraged to contact the photographer directly to discuss photo packages and the order process. Details will be released via email at a later date.

I. Parents or guest will not be allowed to block the aisles or approach the stage to take pictures of graduates coming on or off the stage. You and your guests will have ample opportunity to take pictures immediately following the Commencement Ceremony.