HAMMOND – Motorists and visitors planning to attend Southeastern
Louisiana University’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 12
should anticipate heavy traffic and route changes affecting University
Avenue (Hwy. 3234) between Interstate 55 and North Cherry Street.

       Mike Prescott, Director of University Police, said the section of
University Avenue between West Tornado Drive and SGA Drive will be
restricted from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day.  Local traffic will
be allowed to proceed on University Avenue for as long as possible,
but will be diverted through the campus as congestion increases.

       “I definitely want to thank everyone ahead of time for working with
us to get everyone where they’re going safely,” said Prescott. “This
will be a very busy day for traffic and parking and officers will
begin directing traffic very early.”

       Prior to commencement, the University Center parking areas are
expected to be filled very early and all traffic on University Avenue
will be diverted.  Eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to
West Tornado Drive for parking at the University Center and westbound
commencement traffic will be diverted to the campus at SGA Drive.

       Vacant parking spaces in the Southeastern Oaks/Greek Village complex
will be used for this event.  Residents are requested to use the back
gate near the laundry facility and Phi Mu Sorority House for entering
and exiting between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

       Southeastern Lion Traxx Shuttle Busses and several golf carts will be
in operation before and after the ceremony to accommodate anyone
parking in outlying areas or needing special transportation
assistance.  Shuttle stops will be marked with signage and/or
canopies.

       Drivers not attending commencement are asked to use U.S. 190 (Thomas
Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064) to avoid
University Avenue traffic.  Southeastern students wishing to return
rental textbooks on Saturday, May 12 should wait until after 2:00 PM
to do so.

       “We want our graduates to have a pleasant day,” Prescott added.
“They’ve earned it.”