CONGRATULATIONS! This is an exciting time for all of you completing your degree. I hope this web site will answer your many questions. If not, please call (504) 865-3237 or email sturec@loyno.edu.
REGALIA PICKUP -
Caps and Gowns may be picked up in the Claiborne Room (inside of the St. Charles Room of the Danna Center) on the following dates and times:
May 6 and 7
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
May 8 and 9
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CEREMONY INSTRUCTIONS -
Undergraduate/Graduate Students only -
You must arrive at the Louisiana Superdome by 8:00 a.m. .All candidates for graduation must report, already robed, to Gate A, located on the Ground Level, Poydras Street side of the Superdome. Please note that this entrance is for graduates, faculty, staff, and handicapped guests only. Please do not bring alcohol, cameras, purses, or other personal items into the graduate entrance. From there you will be directed to the gathering area for graduates. Of course, we will have commencement marshalls on hand to help and to answer questions. Please refer to the Reference Guide for additional information on the ceremony and other events.
We have approximately 800 students participating in the ceremony and it will take time to check everyone in and line everyone up. Please be on time. The procession will begin promptly at 9:45 so everyone will be in their seat by 10:00 a.m.
Law Students only -
You will receive instructions from your dean. However, information is available for your ceremony in the commencement reference guide. See next section.
COMMENCEMENT REFERENCE GUIDE -
The2008 Commencement Reference Guide is now available on Loyola's website at the following web address:
http://www.loyno.edu/ia/publicaffairs/commencement.html
The Reference Guide contains all of the information you and your family need for your upcoming graduation including important dates and deadlines and loding arrangements.
In addition to the online version, Commencement Reference Guide booklets are being mailed to all candidates for graduation and their families.
FAQ's ABOUT COMMENCEMENT -
Graduation Dates -
The Undergraduate and Graduate Unified Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m.at the Louisiana Superdome. Further information will be forthcoming.
The Law Ceremony will be held on May 10 at 5:00 p.m. at the New Orleans Arena. Further information will be forthcoming.
When and where will the Baccalaureate Mass be held?
The mass will be held on Friday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the University Sports Complex. Students should report to the 6th floor of the rec plex no later than 3:30 p.m.
What do I wear to the Mass?
In accordance with custom, students must wear their cap and gown without the hood.
What do I wear under my cap and gown?
This should depend upon your plans after the ceremonies. However, I would suggest that you wear something comfortable, but tasteful.
On what side do I wear my tassel?
Bachelor's degree candidates - the tassel should be worn on the right until the degree is conferred. Graduate degree candidates the tassel should be worn on the left.
Is there a commencement rehearsal?
No, instructions will be given to you prior to the ceremony. This is the reason that we ask you to be on time and several hours early. We have approximately 900 graduates to line up.
How many guests may I invite to the commencement ceremony?
You may invite as many guests as you like. Tickets or invitations are not required for admittance.
I have lunch (or dinner reservations) after the ceremony. How long will the ceremony last?
Normally, the ceremony will last about 2 hours. Please allow enough time for pictures after the ceremony and for traffic leaving the Superdome.
Is it necessary that I complete the Senior Exit Survey?
All students, with the exception of LIM extension students, are required to complete this survey. The survey is sent to your Loyola email address only.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed by mid-June (for Spring candidates). Please make sure your balance is paid in full and you have completed your online senior exit survey
Will my family be allowed to take pictures?
During the ceremony, your family will not be allowed to move freely into areas restricted for graduates to take pictures. We will have a photographer on hand that will take your picture as you are congratulated by Fr. Wildes and receive your diploma (cover).
Who should I contact if I have any further questions?
Undergraduate and graduate students - Contact the Office of Student Records – 504-865-3237 or Kathy Gros (kgros@loyno.edu)
Law students - Contact Dean Jumonville's office - 504-861-5438
Lodging Arrangements
Several blocks of rooms have been reserved at area hotels for the nights of May 10, 11, and 12. All room reservations must be made by the deadlines listed. Any requests received after that will be handled on a space and rate available basis. To make reservations, contact the hotels at the phone numbers listed and ask for the group/event name indicated.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Rate: $149
Reservations Deadline: April 18, 2008
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
Group name: Loyola University New Orleans Commencement
Phone: (504) 584-3999
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (500 Canal Street)
Rate: $159
Reservations deadline: April 15, 2008
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
Group name: Loyola University Commencement
Phone: 1-888-627-7033
Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center
Rate: $119 standard room; $169 suite
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
Reservations Deadline: April 8, 2008
Group Name: Loyola Graduation (LGG)
Phone: 1-866-311-1200 or (504) 566-9990
Hampton Inn Garden District
Rate: $179
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
Reservations Deadline: April 9, 2008
Group Name: Loyola University Graduation 2008 (LO8)
Phone: (504) 899-9990
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
Rate: $89
Reservations Deadline: April 18, 2008
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
Group name: Loyola University New Orleans Graduation
Phone: 1-877-782-9444
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD
Rate: $99
Reservations Deadline: April 18, 2008
Cancellation policy: 72 hours
Group name: Loyola University New Orleans Graduation
Phone: 1-877-782-9444
For a complete listing of hotels in the New Orleans area, visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.neworleanscvb.com.
For more information, please call the Office of Public Affairs at (504) 861-5888.
GRADUATION DISTINCTIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATES ONLY:
Students with No Transfer Work - For the cum laude distinction, a student’s Loyola cumulative average must be 3.5; magna cum laude, 3.7; and summa cum laude 3.9. Distinctions will be based on the student’s Loyola coursework only.
Students with Transfer Work - For transfer students who complete 60 or more Loyola cumulative quality hours, the distinction will be based solely on the Loyola cumulative grade point average. For transfer students who complete fewer than 60 Loyola cumulative quality hours, the distinction will be based on two factors: 1) the Loyola cumulative grade point average; and 2) the combined grade point average of the course work taken at Loyola and transfer institutions. If the combined gpa is within the distinction range, the lower of the two averages will be awarded - if the lower of the two is 3.5, the distinction will be cum laude; if the lower of the two is 3.7, magna cum laude; if the lower is 3.9, summa cum laude
Students Admitted via Special Evaluation - Students who have been granted a special evaluation must have completed 60 or more Loyola quality hours to be considered for graduation distinctions. Distinctions will be based on the student’s Loyola coursework only.
Therefore, for the cum laude distinction, a student’s Loyola cumulative average must be 3.5; magna cum laude, 3.7; and summa cum laude 3.9.
WHEN TO APPLY . . .
MAY, AUGUST AND DECEMBER CANDIDATES: Should apply during the previous Fall semester by the deadline in the calendar.
Applications are filed online. The web site is:
http://www.loyno.edu/records/applicationfordegree.php
Students who are candidates for Spring or Summer graduation are eligible to participate in the Spring commencement ceremony. Fall graduation candidates are eligible to participate in the Spring ceremony prior to or after their graduation term. After certification and with financial clearance, your diploma will be mailed to you. Refer to the academic calendar for the dates for the baccalaureate mass and commencement ceremony for your college.
