NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

3/20/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will change the way it conducts commencement exercises this semester. The university will hold two commencement ceremonies Friday, May 4. Previously, Northwestern has held one evening ceremony for all graduates.

This semester, graduates from the Colleges of Education, Nursing, Liberal Arts and the Graduate School will receive their diplomas at 10 a.m. in Prather Coliseum. Recognition ceremonies in each each of these colleges will be held at 2 p.m.

Graduates from the General College, Louisiana Scholars' College, the College of Science and Technology and the College of Business will attend individual college recognition ceremonies at 11 a.m. and take part in commencement exercises at 3 p.m. Graduates of the Class of 1951 will also receive second diplomas at this ceremony.

All graduates will be honored at a reception at the President's Home at 1 p.m.

Several factors led to NSU making this change, according to Bill Brent, head of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear Department of Creative and Performing Arts. Brent chaired a subcommittee, which recommended the schedule to NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb.

"The increasing number of graduates has made it difficult to accommodate all who want to attend the ceremonies," said Brent. "With 600-700 graduates each semester and that number increasing, we want to make sure friends and families can share in this event. By having two ceremonies, we should also have a nicer, more dignified commencement."

Brent said parking and security concerns were also factors. Because of the large crowds, those arriving just prior to the ceremonies had to park up to half a mile from Prather Coliseum.

Other alternatives to two ceremonies were also considered, Brent said. In the fall semester graduates were given six tickets for families and friends.

"That system worked well on the night of the event, but a number of graduates had large families or extended families and that caused some problems," said Brent. "Also the weather was bad that evening, so that kept attendance down."

Another possibility was to hold the ceremony at Turpin Stadium, but the possibility of inclement weather and the logistical problems associated with setting up an alternate site ruled out that option.

"Many universities have gone to multiple ceremonies and they work well," said Brent. "We believe our graduates and those who attend will be able to more fully enjoy and celebrate this important event."

For more information on spring commencement, contact the NSU Registrar's Office at (318) 357-6171 or (800) 807-8849.

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