Natosha Hubbard
Staff Writer
Caps, gowns, and pictures are all a part of the longstanding commencement ceremonies at Jackson State University.
For many years, JSU has held two graduation exercises and this year will be no exception, but there will be a big change.
JSU Academic Affairs Provost Mark HArdy announced recently that instead of the traditional ceremonies in May and August, Jackson State will have spring commencements on April 27 for graduates and April 28 for undergraduates and a winter commencement tentatively scheduled for Dec. 8, 2012.
Students were generally excited about the change in the comencement ceremonies.
Students generally were excited about the change.
“The change sounds great, but either way someone will have to wait. I think more students graduate in the fall than the summer so it makes sense to move the graduation ceremony to December,” said Lanis Leggett, a senior mass communications major from Ridgeland, Miss.
Lauren Ragland, a senior biology major from Tampa, Fla. agrees.
“Having a winter commencement is a great idea especially for out of state students such as myself,” said Ragland. “Walking across the stage is very important for those graduating and their families, but not everyone has the money to come back from their home states just to walk.”
Although there will be no formal ceremony for those students graduating in the summer, degrees will be conferred on Aug. 4, 2012. Students completing degree requirements in August and who wish to participate in a formal ceremony may do so during the winter commencement.
