Graduation vs Commencement

Graduation is the completion of all graduation requirements and official posting of a student's degree to his/her academic record.

All coursework and all other degree requirements must be completed prior to the degree conferral date for the graduation term. A degree cannot be conferred unless all coursework has received a final grade (NOTE: “I” grades are not final). Students enrolled as a visiting student at another institution during their final semester must complete all course work and the final grade(s) at the visited institution must be submitted by the final grade(s) deadline date for graduation candidates as stated on Southern University at Shreveport’s academic calendar.

Commencement is the ceremony for participating students who are eligible to graduate. The university confers degrees at the end of the spring only. The commencement ceremony recognizes summer, fall and spring degree candidates.

Note: Participation in the commencement ceremony DOES NOT constitute official graduation from the university.