Ceremony Information
Location: Laborde Earles Coliseum, 5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Commencement will be held indoors at the Rapides Parish Coliseum!
At this time, here is what you can expect:
There will be no restrictions on the number of attending guests and tickets are not required.
Graduates will check in at the main entrance no later than 8:00 a.m. The entrance is designated on the map.
The commencement will be supported by professional event staff who will direct participants to appropriate seating. Graduates will be invited to walk across the stage while their names are called.
Once seated, all guests should refrain from moving about the venue for the duration of the ceremony.
At the culmination of the ceremony, graduates and their guests should plan to meet outside the venue.
Only clear bags will be allowed due to the Rapides Parish Coliseum’s Clear Bag Policy.
Additional Information
Processional (Order to the Stage)
The start of the ceremony is signified by the graduate processional. Graduates will proceed to the reserved area directly in front of the platform and remain standing. Seating will be reserved for graduates only. All seats should be filled before moving to the next row. An LSUA employee will be positioned at the beginning and end of each row to assist in seating.
Faculty will then process in, following the graduates, to the appropriate seating area.
The platform party, which includes special guests, deans, and directors, will be led by Chancellor Paul Coreil and will process in double file lines to the stage after the faculty processional. The platform party will ascend the steps and stand in front of their designated seats, except Dr. Coreil who will move to the center lectern.
Awarding of Diplomas
At the appropriate time in the ceremony, Dr. Coreil will announce the recipients of the Chancellor's Award.
Dr. Elizabeth Beard will recognize students graduating with Latin Honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude)
Dr. Beard will then ask the associate degree candidates to stand for conferring of the degrees. After associate degrees are conferred and the candidates are seated, Dr. Beard will ask the baccalaureate degree candidates to stand for conferring of the degrees. They will then be seated.
Graduates will then be presented their diploma cover. An LSUA employee will lead the graduates to the appropriate area to ascend the stage. At the appropriate time as the row of graduates shortens, an LSUA employee will lead the next row to the appropriate area until all diplomas have been awarded.
Recessional
Following the benediction, as the recessional plays, Dr. Coreil will lead the procession out followed by the platform party and the faculty. Graduates will exit in the same order as they entered (led by the first graduate)
Accessible Parking: A state-issued disability placard prominently displayed inside the vehicle or state-issued disability plate is required. The accessible parking area is located in parking lots around the Rapides Parish Coliseum and it is first come, first serve basis.
Coliseum Entrance: Persons with disability accommodation needs may enter the Coliseum through the front/main entrance. Each portal of the Coliseum has a ramp entry. Disability seating is located on the second level. Directional personnel will be available to assist you to the designated areas.
Coliseum Seating Area: Accessible seating for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids is signified by the handicap emblem. The designated area is on the second level.
Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Availability: Family members, guests, and degree candidates in need of wheelchairs or other mobility aids should make provisions to bring those with them to the Coliseum. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are not provided at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.
Degree Candidates: A ramp is available for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids to assist them to the stage.
Police: Officers are present in case of an emergency.
Graduates or guests requiring any further disability-related accommodations or with questions regarding the ceremony should contact Daniel Manuel, Coordinator of Title IX & Disability Services, at (318) 427-0137.
The Grad Team
Commencement photos are posted on The Grad Team website approximately 1 week after the ceremony, you will receive an email with a link to your photos when the event goes live. If photos are not showing, reach out to The Grad Team.
Website: https://thegradteam.com/events
Tel: (833) 469-4723
Email: gradteam@thegradteam.com
In need of lodging? Please visit the Alexandria/Pineville Visitors Bureau for available lodging options. Select "STAY" at the top of the website to view a listing of available hotels, bed/breakfast, etc.
LSUA FALL GRADUATION 2025
Start Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
End Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria for 116.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book: December 01, 2025
