Just got back from commencement. Here are my thoughts:

1) While invited to both BGS and SIE, I opted to join BGS. The induction ceremonies were jointly held. There were only 13 BGS inductees vs 34 SIE (although a large majority of BGS folks also joined SIE). The BGS inductees were given a certificate and a pin while the SIE inductees were given a certificate and a shaw to wear during commencement. I am unsure as to why there was a imbalance of people who joined BGS vs SIE ($90 vs $60, entry requirements?)

2) The induction ceremony was 40min long and I give it 7 out of 10 stars

3) The online brunch was from 10 to 12, a small goodie bag was given to each graduate while some video testimonials were played. I give this 7 out of 10 stars

4) The commencement itself was a full 2 hours with undergrad and grad students together. Nice keynote but a really long and drawn out production. There were tons of enthusiastic families yelling and shouting, often drowning out names of the next to be called. Overall a 6 out of 10 stars

5) The diploma itself is a puny 8.5 x 11, no logo and very unassuming. 5 out of 10 stars

I drove 5 hours each way to walk. I mainly did this to show my kids what hard work looks like and would recommend it if you would like to do the same. If its only you or just you and your spouse and you're further than 1hr away, get your diploma mailed to you.

I walk away from this program relived its over but with mixed emotions as to whether I made the right choice, not that I can change anything now.

The best of luck to you all in the rest of the program and in your future endeavors.

One last nana on my way out...

PS. met Dr. S, Dr. James, Dr. Darrat (both)

This post was edited on 12/16/18 at 9:54 pm

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by Sactown

Member since Mar 2018

51 posts

Posted on 12/17/18 at 5:16 am to TigerDragon435

Hi TD

There were 14 BGS inductees. I was also inducted, but Darrat forgot to add me to the program. Fortunately, I contacted BGS directly prior to the ceremony and obtained my regalia and my induction certificate.

I flew in from Sacramento, CA and thought that it was definitely worth the trip. People really need to stop hating on this program. It doesn't do anyone any good.

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by GeauxUF

Atlanta OTP, GA

Member since Jun 2018

195 posts

Posted on 12/17/18 at 7:59 am to TigerDragon435

quote:
Just got back from commencement. Here are my thoughts:

Great to hear your thoughts on commencement!

quote:
4) The commencement itself was a full 2 hours with undergrad and grad students together. Nice keynote but a really long and drawn out production. There were tons of enthusiastic families yelling and shouting, often drowning out names of the next to be called. Overall a 6 out of 10 stars

I drove 5 hours each way to walk. I mainly did this to show my kids what hard work looks like and would recommend it if you would like to do the same. If its only you or just you and your spouse and you're further than 1hr away, get your diploma mailed to you.

While I did not attend in person, I watched the commencement live stream and opted to have my diploma mailed. I would have ended up feeling pretty disappointed if I had driven 10 hours or hopped on a flight to go alone. I would have gone if I lived within a close drive. The ceremony felt very drawn out. While I understand the enthusiasm for those earning their degrees (since I fall into that category), the screaming families seemed a bit over the top.

quote:
5) The diploma itself is a puny 8.5 x 11, no logo and very unassuming. 5 out of 10 stars

That's disappointing but not unexpected given the track record. My undergraduate diploma, which is not from a top-tier university by any means, is 11" x 14", embossed with a university logo, and quite nice. I did end up buying a really nice looking branded diploma frame since the LSUS diplomas I've seen in Google Image search looked fairly pedestrian.

quote:
I walk away from this program relived its over but with mixed emotions as to whether I made the right choice, not that I can change anything now.

You should still be proud of completing the program in the best way possible: an MBA with a 4.0 GPA, and BGS and SIE invites. Regardless of how many of us feel about the quality of the LSUS MBA program at the moment, the best way to add value to this degree is to excel in every way possible and demonstrate that this was a serious personal endeavor.

I can tell you that I exhaled a huge breath of relief yesterday when I finally saw "Degree Awarded: Master of Business Administration" on my transcript with a big 4.0 under it. Now I need to figure out what to do with all this time in my life back.