525 graduates expected to participatein fall commencement exercises

Andrea Thompson, senior class adviser, said graduation rates increase by approximately 20 percent during the spring.

"Spring graduations are generally a few hundred more in size," said Registrar Sharon Hush.

"They [fall and spring Commencement] exercises are pretty much the same.  The only difference is the weather," Thompson said.

The fall commencement will be in the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem.

"There is an anticipation of a large crowd because of the number of projected graduates," Thompson said.

Along with completed credit hours, the graduating seniors also had to meet several other requirements. 

Thompson said seniors must complete the "Graduating Senior Survey," register as alumni, satisfy all financial aid requirements, and complete their senior exit interviews.

The Graduating Senior Survey, a requirement for all schools in the UNC system, is overseen by the Institutional Planning and Assessment Department.

As a part of meeting financial aid requirements, students must also complete an online exit questionnaire counseling form.  

This is for students who borrow money to pay for their education and is  a way to inform students about the importance of repaying their loans.

To participate in commencement  seniors must purchase a cap and gown and comply with the dress code.  

Both males and females will be required to "dress up."  

Female graduates  must wear black dresses and black shoes with black or dark hose underneath their gown.  Male graduate are required to wear dark pants, black shoes, a dark tie, white shirt and black socks.

"There will be no sandals, boots or tennis shoes allowed," Thompson said.

 The keynote speaker will be Larry Womble, Democrat in the State House of Representatives for the 71st district. 

Womble is an alumnus of WSSU.

 SGA President Whitney McCoy will speak also.