Commencement Ceremony

NOTE: Any student who has not cleared all financial obligations to Southern University at Shreveport including the graduation fee 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.

Graduation is a joyous and special occasion. It is a time for celebration and merriment. However, you are reminded that Commencement is a formal University function. You are requested to maintain the order and solemnity of the proceedings. It is a courtesy we owe each other and our guests.

Appropriate Dress for Graduates

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.

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Female Graduate Attire

All women 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 Graduate Attire

All men 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.
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

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

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.

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.

Invitees 

Please ask your guests to be seated at least 15 minutes before Commencement Exercises are scheduled to begin. Ushers will be available to assist with seating. 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.

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.

Photography

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.

Checking in When You Arrive

Graduates are asked to report at the designated time for lineup, dress inspection and final instructions for the Commencement Ceremony. Failure to arrive at the appropriate time may result in removal as a participant.

As you come in the door to line up for graduation, you will sign the list for your division and receive a certified numbered card designating your place in line.

Graduation Processional

a. When you line up after checking in, you will receive instructions on marching in, when to stand or sit, and when to go the stage area. Graduates are expected to remain seated for the duration of the commencement ceremony.

b. PLEASE HAVE YOUR “CERTIFIED” CARD IN HAND WHEN YOU GO TO THE STAGE. When you get to the stage, please hand your 3x5 CARD to the name caller who will announce the names of the graduates.

c. At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates are required to hold their positions in the assigned seating areas until given directions by the Student Marshal.

d. Graduates will be directed by the Student Marshal to clear the ceremony area before dispersing to greet family and friends.

e. Graduates will be able to receive their diplomas immediately following the commencement ceremony in the designated location.

Alma Mater

O Southern, Dear Southern, Thy praises we shall sing,

Until all the heavens and echoes loudly ring.

The winds and the sky as they pass us by Will Adoration bring.

O Southern, Dear Southern, We owe our all to Thee,

In downfall or vict'ry, We'll always loyal be.

Thy Sons and Daughters as they work, Will be inspired by Thee.

O Southern, Dear Southern, Thy name will ever be,

As mighty as the rivers that flow on to the sea,

As pure and true as the Gold and Blue,

That stand out bold for Thee.