Did you graduate within the past year? Are you only a class or two away from completing your degree? Did you graduate during a previous year but were unable to attend Commencement? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time to register for the 2017 CSU Commencement ceremony. You can invite your family and friends to come celebrate with you, too!
We are very excited to host Commencement on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 at 10 a.m. CST at the brand new Foley Event Center at OWA, which is just north of the CSU campus. Unlike recent years where we held two ceremonies in order to accommodate all students and guests, this new, larger venue will allow us to all celebrate together.
If you have completed all of your graduation requirements or you are getting very close, be sure to submit the petition to graduate form, which can be found in the forms section of the myCSU student portal. To walk in this year’s ceremony, one must have either completed all requirements or have submitted their enrollment for remaining course(s) (up to two) required for their degree program.
We are proud to announce that our keynote speaker this year is Erin Gruwell, author and founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation. The 2007 film, “Freedom Writers” starring Hillary Swank and Patrick Dempsey, was based on Ms. Gruwell’s innovative methods of reaching students deemed “underachievers” and helping them achieve their dreams through writing. Gruwell is going to have an amazing story to share at Commencement!
Once you receive your petition to graduate results, be sure to make your reservations for travel and accommodations. Be sure to check out the Commencement page on our website for details about registration for the ceremony and a link to nearby hotels that are offering specials to graduates and their families.
Open House will be held on the CSU campus on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. for graduates and their guests. There will be campus tours and opportunities to meet faculty and staff with whom you may have interacted with along the way. It is also a good time to meet and network with fellow graduates.
It is a good idea to come early and plan to stay a few days. The Orange Beach area offers plenty of water sports and other outdoor activities or you can just kick back and relax on the beach. Fresh seafood is abundant; there are many great restaurants or you can prepare your own after purchasing seafood right off the boat! Last but not least, the OWA amusement park is now open; the rides are running daily and it is located right next door to the Foley Event Center. There is a lot to do and it is all nearby!
Every year, we look forward to our graduates and their families visiting to celebrate their accomplishments, and we are excited to see you soon!
By: Vickie Hayes, Associate Registrar; Nickie Cooper, Director of Continuing Education.
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