Welcome to the official guide to commencement for FranU graduates and their guests.
Tune into FranU's social media on Saturday, May 16 at 2 PM to watch a special video dedicated to you, our Spring 2020 Graduating class! Included in the video will be the official conferral of degrees from University President Dr. Holland and Provost Br. Ed Violett, the announcement of the Undergraduate Service Award winner, and more!
Use this online resource for everything you need to know about your special day.
Prior to commencement, graduates are presented with a professional pin or gift, and recipients of awards and program-specific honors are recognized. Family and friends are invited.
Please be informed that the River Center, the venue for Spring 2020 Graduation, now ONLY allows clear bags for all events.
All Spring 2020 Graduates are invited to attend the December Graduation Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 in the Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall at 1 p.m. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. If it rains, the doors will open at 11 a.m. The address for the River Center is 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802 . All graduates are expected to be at the River Center for 12 p.m. at the latest. Please note that it is extremely important for all graduates to be at the River Center on time, as they will begin lining up shortly after.
Please familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items for the River Center prior to Graduation Day here.
The entire ceremony will last approximately 2 hours. If you are making dinner plans, please allow time for picking up your diploma and exiting the garage. If you park on an upper level, it can take as long as 30 minutes or so to make your way down to the exit.
Parking is available in the parking garages for a cash fee of $10, or you may attempt to find parking on the streets. Please note that the River Center parking garages accept cash payments ONLY and that you must pay before parking. Please arrive early to ensure speedy parking and that you arrive in plenty of time. The parking garage has a walkway that will lead directly to the River Center. Everyone trying to get into the parking garages could cause a delay so please plan accordingly. Handicap drop off is accessible at the River Road entrance of the River Center.
Handicap seating will be available as needed. For specific locations, ask the River Center personnel upon arrival.
Tickets are not issued for the Graduation Ceremony. Therefore, there is no limit placed on the number of guests that graduates may invite.
Please remember that this is an academic ceremony of dignity. There are numerous distinguished guests and dignitaries present, including the members of the Board of Trustees and representatives of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady.
Families are encouraged to stand and recognize graduates as they receive their diplomas. Their enthusiasm and excitement is warranted; however, the use of air horns or other artificial noisemakers is inappropriate.
Abundant seating will be available. We respectfully request that all attendees remain seated so as not to distract from the ceremony.
Please note that all seating for Commencement is handled on a first come, first serve basis. Please plan to arrive early as saving seats is discouraged.
Guests may bring cameras into the Exhibition Hall; however, students are encouraged to leave all cameras, phones and other devices either at home or with someone else prior to 12 p.m. Please note that students are not allowed to have anything in their hands or over their gowns, e.g., purses.
Lifetouch Photography will be on hand on Graduation Day to take professional pictures of each graduate. Please see the Graduation Announcements and Photography section below for more information.
Click here to visit the Louisiana Office of Tourism and find activities that interest you.
Click here to sign up for a guided tour with an Admissions team member.
You may wish to stay in a hotel near the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University campus.
Click here for reservation information.Drury Inn is located on Essen Lane at Interstate 10, just down the street from the University. They have hot, free breakfast and a "Kick Back" hour in the evening with complimentary food/drinks.
You may wish to stay in a hotel in the downtown area as the ceremony will be held at the Raising Cane’s River Center. The following two hotels are located in downtown Baton Rouge:
201 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 Click here for reservation information.
150 Third Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801 Click here for reservation information.
For questions about diplomas, course requirements for graduation, or Intent to Graduate forms, contact the Registrar's office at Registrar@franu.edu.
For questions about Graduation fees, contact the Bursar's office at Bursar@franu.edu.
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