Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Message from the President

Dear Students,

University leadership has been examining graduation patterns and commencement best practices. In recent years, significantly more students have participated in the May commencement ceremony than in the December ceremony. Given the expected amount of December graduates, the University has made the decision not to hold separate fall and spring commencement ceremonies moving forward. The next commencement ceremony will be in spring 2025; there will not be a December 2024 commencement ceremony. Students who graduate in fall 2024 will still receive their diplomas and have their degrees conferred in December. They are invited to participate in the spring 2025 commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2025. Graduates may bring as many friends and family members as they wish to the ceremonies in the Lakefront Arena.

The practice of holding only a spring commencement event will bring the University more in line with other institutions in New Orleans. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment that this may cause. We understand that it may prompt a change of plans for students whose families live out-of-state or out-of-country. We hope we have given you enough notice for you to make appropriate arrangements.

We look forward to celebrating all of our graduates in May 2025.

Sincerely,

Kathy Johnson, Ph.D.
President
The University of New Orleans