The Last Stroll: Spring 2018 Commencement on the Way

Approximately 600 graduates will obtain their diplomas from Southern University Baton Rouge, inclusive of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree candidates during the spring 2018 commencement ceremony.
This spring’s ceremony will take place on May 11 inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center, beginning at 10 A.M.
To ensure participation in the commencement ceremony, graduates are asked to arrive promptly at 8 AM, dressed in cap and gown.
The university requests that ladies wear dark shoes and dresses. Gentlemen should wear a dress shirt, preferably with a white collar and tie with dark pants and dark dress boots or shoes.
In preparation of the big day, the University Bookstore will be hosting Grad Prep Days on March 20 and 21 from 10 am until 4 pm.
Graduates will be able to order official Southern University personalized graduation announcements, purchase a custom cap and gown, order an official Southern University ring and purchase a custom SU diploma frame.
All graduates will also have the opportunity to take a free formal cap and gown portrait that will be included in The Jaguar Yearbook. Girls are asked to come with make-up, hair and nails groomed. Guys must come clean shaven. Shirts, ties, caps, and gowns will be provided by the photographer.
To ensure that all requirements have been met to obtain a degree in their selected field of study, Enrollment Services Coordinator, Johlana Turner advises seniors to get an early start on the check out process.
She also recommends that students visit the advisors within their departments to ensure that all degree requirements have been fulfilled.
“I was always told that my catalog is my bible…that’s your guide through school,” stated Turner.
She reveals that the biggest debacle she has seen seniors face upon attempting to complete their matriculation at SUBR is misadvisement.
“As far as telling students what is needed to graduate or if you haven’t met the requirements … that responsibility falls back on the departments,” Turner says.
“I think it may be sometimes with transitioning, things happen, things change and so sometimes the ball kind of drops when we’re in the midst of transitioning from old to new,” she goes on to say.
Program Leader of the History Department, Dr. Shawn Comminey tells students to “be more responsible.”
“Students won’t take the time to come around and check on things. The sooner we can get our hands on it, I think the better. It’s just all apart of them taking the time to report here. If you don’t come seeking help then we can’t help you,” states Comminey.
Beginning in April, students should check their Self-Service Banner accounts for any fees or any outstanding balances owed to the university that could possibly prevent a senior from obtaining a diploma.
In addition to frequently checking Banner, students are advised to check with the Comptroller’s Office, Campus Police, Auxiliary Services and Library Services to ensure that each department approves them with a $0 balance and that there are no holds on their account. International students should visit the International Student Affairs office.
Students will also be asked to complete Financial Aid exit counseling online.
The check out process will be completed by the Registrar’s office for students. They are advised to closely monitor their Banner accounts for any issues that may need to be addressed such as an account hold or an outstanding balance.
In addition to visiting departments on a regular basis, seniors should keep copies of all receipts given by the university, keep an open line of communication with their department and never wait until the last minute to find out the status of a graduation application.
Senior Civil Engineering major and Baton Rouge native, Jameese McCray, is patiently awaiting the big day. “The part I look forward to the most about Spring 2018 Commencement is being able to walk across the stage and also see my fellow classmates walk across the stage … Its one of the biggest moments of our lives,” McCray shared.