VSU Hosts Weekend Commencement Ceremonies

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University will host expanded commencement ceremonies this weekend, May 4-5.

Previous years have offered two events on a Saturday; however, this year graduates will accept diplomas at three different on-campus venues and during six different events. The change is prompted by a steady increase in enrollment that made the need for expansion evident. An average of 950 students apply for graduation each fall and spring semester. As many as 1,041 candidates have applied for graduation this semester. Additional ceremonies were necessary to accommodate the growing number of graduates and visitors who want to attend.

“The change from two to six ceremonies was made after lengthy discussions with students, faculty and staff,” said Ronald M. Zaccari, VSU President. “As the number of graduates and guests continues to grow it is becoming difficult to provide adequate accommodations and more importantly a ceremony that exemplifies the dignity and honor this achievement deserves.”

Three ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 4, beginning with College of Nursing at 2 p.m., in Whitehead Auditorium; Masters of Library Science at 4 p.m., in Odum Library Auditorium; and Division of Social Work at 7 p.m., in the Whitehead Auditorium. On Saturday, May 5, all three ceremonies will be held in the P.E. Complex, beginning with the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and U.S. Air Force ROTC at 10 a.m.; College of the Arts and Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration at 1 p.m.; and College of Arts and Sciences at 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Ann Lacey, director of Special Events and staff coordinator for Commencement, at 229-333-7446 or on the Web at http://www.valdosta.edu/specialevents/commencement/spring_07/ . Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Please contact the Access Office for Students with Disabilities a minimum of 48 hours in advance at 229-245-2498 (V/VP), 229-219-1348 (TTY).