2024 SUNO Commencement Fact Sheet
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AT NEW ORLEANS
GRADUATION FACT SHEET
SPRING 2024
The Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 4:00 pm,
with the Processional beginning at 3:45 pm at the Lakefront Arena. Graduates only
are to report at 2:30 pm to the Auxiliary Gym entrance, which is located on the
North side (lake side) of the Arena.
Please note that balloons, large signs, and glass vases are not allowed into the
Arena. Guests will be asked to leave them in their cars or check them in the
Administration Office or at the Guests Services desk of the Arena to be picked up
after the Ceremony.
CLEARANCE FOR GRADUATION
Candidates for Graduation are responsible for satisfactorily completing all general
University, major department, academic, and financial requirements. Participation
in the Commencement Ceremonies, the appearance of names in the printed
Program, or receipt of this information will not be considered evidence of
graduation.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Graduation is a joyous and special occasion. It is a time for celebration and
merriment. However, please be reminded that Commencement is a formal
University function. Therefore, you are requested to maintain the order and
solemnity of the proceedings. It is a courtesy we owe each other and our guests. As such, please adhere to the following:
• The University strictly prohibits “Greek strolling” of any kind during the
Commencement ceremony.
• Cell phones should be placed on silent mode.
• Graduates must remain for the entire ceremony as a sign of respect
for all Graduates.
GRADUATION INVITATIONS
While invitations and/or admit tickets are not required for your guests to be
admitted, complimentary Invitations are available in the Office of Student Affairs
(University Center).
REHEARSAL
Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm in the University
Gymnasium. ALL graduates are required to attend Rehearsal. Important
information will be provided regarding arrival instructions, seating and parking as
well as any last-minute updates pertaining to the Commencement ceremony.
ATTIRE
In order to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies, all graduates must wear
the cap, gown, and hood prescribed by the University. Suitable attire includes:
Gentlemen
• Dress shirt and tie (preferably white collars)
• Dark Pants
• Dark Dress Boots or Shoes
Ladies*
• Dark dresses
• Dark shoes
*If you wear heels, you will have to walk throughout the ceremony at
your own risk.
Attire that is not suitable: jeans, tennis shoes, work boots, flip flops,
shorts.
The appropriate cap for graduates is the familiar black “mortarboard.”
The mortarboard is worn straight on the head with the point o f the cap
in the center of the forehead. The tassel should hang to the left of the
face for undergraduate and on the right for graduate students.
Decoration of the mortarboard is acceptable with exceptions. NO
profanity, 3-D objects, dangling ribbons, and any sizable accessories that
distract others and yourself from the ceremony.
SPECIAL NOTES
All Graduates are to adhere to the attire requirements for
commencement. Graduates who do not comply with the proper attire,
will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Candid Campus Photography has been engaged to take your picture
with the Chancellor as you walk across the stage. You may order your
pictures directly from the photographer. Specific details will be
provided directly to you from Candid Campus Photography. In
addition, only SUNO Photographer and Candid Campus Photography are
allowed on the floor.