NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University has modified Fall Commencement plans to follow health and safety protocols. Degrees will be conferred during five ceremonies beginning Thursday, Dec. 17-Friday, Dec. 18 in Prather Coliseum.
“Obviously, we want our graduates and their families to be able to celebrate their accomplishments, but we must keep health and safety in mind,” said Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “We have put a lot of thought into planning a series of ceremonies and ask for the help and understanding of graduates and guests as we do our best to present safe and memorable commencement programs.”
Students who completed their degrees in May and August who wish to participate in Fall Commencement should contact the Registrar’s Office by emailing registrar@nsula.edu by Dec. 4.
There will be two ceremonies for the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 17, degrees will be conferred to graduates earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Dec. 17, degrees will be conferred on graduates earning the Associate of Science in Nursing and bachelor’s and graduate degrees from the School of Allied Health.
Three ceremonies will take place on Friday. Dec. 18.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Dec 18, degrees will be conferred to all graduates of the College of Business and Technology and to graduates earning associate degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Dec. 18, degrees will be conferred to all graduates earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Beginning at 4 p.m. Dec. 18, bachelor’s and master’s degrees will be conferred to all graduates of the College of Education and Human Development.
The ceremonies will all be ticketed events with Prather Coliseum limited to 25 percent capacity. Graduates will be allowed four guest tickets and tickets must be obtained in advance. Information on requesting tickets will be available in the coming weeks. Graduates and guests must wear masks and practice social distancing as Phase 3 health and safety protocols will be enforced. Handel recommended that guests with tickets arrive at least 40 minutes prior to each ceremony.
All ceremonies will be livestreamed at www.nsula.edu and will be recorded.
Updated information will be posted on the Northwestern State University website as plans are finalized.
“Although circumstances will limit the number of guests in the audience, we are working very hard to make this a special occasion for our graduates, especially in light of the challenges they have overcome in the last several months,” Handel said. “We look forward to a series of meaningful and memorable commencement ceremonies this December.”
