This moment is the crowning achievement of countless hours of study, research, counsel, and dedication from the scholars we have the privilege to serve. Congratulations, graduates! The event will be streamed live on our YouTube Channel and HBCU+.

 

Hobdy Assembly Center

Date: Friday, May 10, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM CST 

Venue: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center

100 North Stadium Drive

Grambling, LA 71245

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Graduate Studies

Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Social Sciences, Master of Education in Special Education, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Developmental Education, Master of Science in Sports Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Social Work, Post Master’s Certificate

 

College of Arts and Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Child Development and Early Literacy, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering Technology, English, General Studies, History, Mathematics and Physics, Music, Political Science, Visual and Performing Arts

College of Business

Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Management, Marketing

 

College of Education
Kinesiology, Leisure Studies, Teacher Education degree programs

 

College of Professional Studies

Criminal Justice, Mass Communications, Nursing, Social Work, Sociology and Psychology

keynote speaker

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Senator Cleo Fields

State of Louisiana, District 14

 

Cleo Fields is a 1980 graduate of McKinley High School and a 1984 graduate of Southern University in the field of Mass Communications.

In 1987, Fields obtained his law degree from Southern University School Law Center. Upon completion of law school, Fields was elected to the Louisiana State Senate at the age of 24. He became the youngest person ever elected to the State Senate in Louisiana’s history and at that time, the youngest in the nation.

In 1992, Fields was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as Congressman of Louisiana’s 4th Congressional district. At the age of 30, Fields held the position of being the youngest member to serve in the 103rd congress. In 1993, he created a Congressional Classroom for elementary through secondary school-age students. Noted for being the first of its kind in the country, the Congressional Classroom helped students develop leadership and self-esteem while understanding the governmental process. It is known today as the Louisiana Leadership Institute.

In 1995, he made a bid for the Governor of Louisiana, leaving a historical mark by becoming the first African American democratic nominee. He then went on to complete two terms as Congressman. On December 13, 1997, Cleo Fields was elected to the 14th Senatorial District of Louisiana and completed his term as State Senator in 2007.

On October 12, 2019, Cleo Fields was re-elected to serve the 14th Senatorial District of Louisiana, returning him to the Senate for the third time. He currently serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Education.

Fields is a long-time member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. He is married to his wife, Debra and they have two adult sons, Brandon and Christopher.

 

INFORMATION FOR GUESTS

Attendance
All guests should be seated 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony in designated seating. 
 
Clear Bag Policy

As families, friends, alumni, and supporters arrive at Grambling State University for Spring 2024 commencement exercises on May 10, preparation should be made to adhere to the clear bag policy. Scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., the events will be held in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center and streamed live on Grambling State’s YouTube channel.

Parking will be limited on campus and the area immediately in front of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center will be closed to allow for pedestrians to walk.

Permitted items include clear totes 12” x 6”x 12” in size with a logo no larger than 4.5”x3.4”; clear storage bag (resealable gallon size); small clutch or wallet no larger than 6.5”x4.5” with or without a handle or strap (can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag); backless cushions less than 16” in size; and items required for medical, family, or childcare needs.

Prohibited items include balloons, air horns, or gifts (should be left in the vehicle); backpacks, fanny packs, purses larger than 6.5” x 4.5”; cameras with lenses longer than 6”; video cameras; pets; umbrellas; weapons; alcoholic beverages; strollers; food and beverages; beach balls; toilet tissue; artificial noisemakers; and seat cushions larger than 16” or with a zipper, pocket, or compartment.


INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES
 
Graduation Practice
Graduation practice will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
 
Transfer Credits
If you were enrolled in courses at other regionally accredited institutions this semester or there is a hold for another transcript not yet received, please forward the official transcript to  @gram.edu so credits may be added to your official transcript for certifying purposes as soon as possible.
 
Graduation regalia
Candidates may also contact the University Bookstore at (318) 247-1006 regarding ordering regalia and graduation announcements, or order online.
 
Attire
Commencement is a significant ceremony; therefore, the ceremony is expected to be carried out in a proper and dignified manner. To guide candidates in selecting attire for participation the ceremony, outlined below are suggested forms of dress.Cap and Gown
White or Black Dress
White or Black Slacks
Light Color Shirt
Black (or other dark color)Shoes

Your name will appear in the official commencement program.  An official listing of the 2024 Spring Candidates for Graduation will be posted on the GSU graduation webpage. Additional information will be forwarded at a later date related to the commencement exercises.
 
Honor Students
Students who graduate with honors will receive honor cords.  There will also be a gold sticker placed on the diploma for all undergraduate honor students.
 
Clearance
It is imperative that all indebtedness to the University be cleared in a timely manner. Candidates can monitor the clearance process on-line via BannerWeb. (The steps for online graduation clearance are found at the end of this document.).  Please allow approximately (3) business days for your clearance to be processed in the system. Students who have been identified as having delinquent accounts will not be allowed to participate in commencement exercises.
 
Cancellation of Graduation
If for some reason you are not graduating this semester, please request permission from your academic dean to cancel your graduation application and they will notify the Registrar’s Office.  Upon notification, the cancellation will be processed and updated in BannerWeb, and your graduation hold will be released.  You will then be eligible to register for the upcoming semester.
 
Diploma Issuance
Diplomas will be released after the commencement ceremony.  If you do not plan to attend the ceremony, your diploma will be mailed via certified mail or you may pick-up in the Office of the Registrar located in Grambling Hall, Suite 18.   Please confirm your mailing address is accurate to avoid any shipping delays.   If your address changed after you applied for graduation, please email your correct mailing address to registrar@gram.edu. Remember to include your name and G#, major and college in any correspondence sent to the Registrar’s Office.