2023-24 Application Deadlines
| SEMESTER | DUE DATE |
| FALL 2023 | n/a |
| WINTER INTERSESSION 2023 | Dec. 1, 2023 |
| SPRING 2024 | Jan. 3, 2024 |
| SUMMER SESSION “B” 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
| SUMMER SESSION “C” 2024 | June 19, 2024 |
| FALL 2024 | July 29, 2024 |
Mission
The mission of Project Graduation is quite simple: To assist former student-athletes with completing graduation requirements and obtain their degrees so that they can move forward in their career and individual life pursuits. This is achieved by being proactive in reaching out to former student-athletes and by providing information and assistance to those who reach out to us.
Project Graduation collaborates with individual university departments, provides accurate and easy to decipher information (steps to re-apply, degree audits, health center requirements, financial aid assistance applications, and career counseling), and fosters a positive environment consisting of academic advisement, tutorial assistance, and total person support services. The initial commitment was made to assist these former student-athletes in obtaining a degree and that commitment is still honored and promoted even as they return as a student no matter the length of time since they last attended LSU.
"The goal of 'Project Graduation is simple in that we make a commitment to assist those former student-athletes in obtaining a degree. And, that commitment is honored and promoted regardless of the length of time since they last stepped foot in a classroom. The program's objective is accomplished by reaching out and providing information and assistance to former student-athletes with the help of several university departments including the Athletics Administration, Admissions and Senior Colleges."
Walt Holliday (Executive Director)
Life After LSU
“Seeing former student-athletes come through Project Graduation and finish their degree has been a big motivator for other individuals from all sports to come back and work towards graduation. We take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for those who return. It’s our goal to make the process as streamlined and straightforward as possible to minimize the anxiety of coming back to school. We want this to be fun and something the student-athletes enjoy because that type of experience will go a long way in making sure that they follow through and get that degree. The goal for Project Graduation mirrors that of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. We want them to graduate, help prepare them for life after LSU, and promote and preserve academic integrity through education and example.”
“Our number one goal is to graduate our student-athletes. This program is a testament to the dedication and commitment to see our student-athletes finish what they started by the athletic administration, the university administration, our coaches and the academic center. We are fortunate to have this program in place and we are going to continue to do whatever we can to bring as many former student-athletes back to school in hopes that they can get their degree. We are very proud of the accomplishments and dedication displayed by our Project Graduation graduates. To have the opportunity to work with them as student-athletes and now as professionals is an honor and a privilege. We are excited for what lies ahead in their professional careers.”
– Jason Shaw, Director of Academic Affairs
Testimonials
Nick Brossette (Football):
“I want to thank LSU for allowing me to come back and graduate with a degree in Sports Administration. This is one of the proudest moments of my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of the Cox Academic Center for Student-Athletes. I am excited to enter into the LSU alumni family. Geaux Tigers!”
Curtis Thompson (Men’s Golf):
“I am a goal oriented person. Thanks to my LSU family I was able to achieve my goal of graduating from college. LSU Will always hold a special place in my heart. GEAUX Tigers”
Cole Tracy (Football):
“I am so excited to be part of the LSU family. My time on campus might have been short but now with my degree, I will officially be a Tiger for life! I am thankful for the support that I received, from my professors to the academic team. I was able to successfully continue my degree because of them. The thing that I loved most about the MALA program was the flexibility, I was able to design a program which aligned with my goals. Forever LSU!”
Richard Thompson (Track & Field):
“As an athlete in the NCAA, we’re given a very special opportunity to achieve what many of us would not have been able to otherwise. The opportunity to maximize our athletic and academic potential, that would be a far stretch financially for most of us. I have always understood the importance of both and have always been committed to fulfilling the academic end of my agreement. An extremely small percentage gets the opportunity to become professionals and LSU’s illustrious program facilitated me achieving that lifelong goal. What I am also even more thankful for, is LSU’s commitment to their student athletes, like myself, being able to return many years after to complete their degree. People like Miriam Segar, Dennis Shaver, Jason Shaw and John Parham, made the transition for me a very smooth and effortless experience. Choosing to come to LSU in 2005 has been one of the best decisions of my life, as LSU has given my family and I so much to be thankful for. I have always been a Tiger at heart but now I can officially say, Forever LSU!”
Travin Dural (Football):
“I’m forever grateful for you guys and the program! Being able to finish getting my degree from my dream school is something I’ll never forget. Being able to become a first generation graduate is an amazing accomplishment and I have Project Graduation to thank! So thank you guys for never giving up on me and my dreams!”
Hunter Kiel (Baseball):
“Finishing my undergraduate degree has been a very important goal of mine, as an education will last a lifetime. LSU’s “Project Graduation” provided the assistance I needed to return to Baton Rouge and finish my degree after the conclusion of my professional playing career. I couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of the staff at the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes and the many resources provided through the “Project Graduation” program. The athletic administrators and the student-athlete support staff never hesitated in assisting me with anything I needed, and I am forever grateful. Geaux Tigers!”
Charles Scott (Football):
“Graduating from college has always been a high priority goal in my life. To come back to LSU after football and finish my degree means everything to my family and I. Everyone associated with Project Graduation never hesitated to go above and beyond to help me with finishing my degree. Although I am a former player, the individuals at LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes approached my situation with the same enthusiasm as they did when I started as a freshman in 2006. Words can’t express my appreciation. Anyone thinking about coming back to finish should make the first stop at Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes and check out Project Graduation.”
Contact Us
If you are interested in more details or information regarding the Project Graduation program, please contact:
Jason Shaw
Director of Academic Affairs
jshaw@lsu.edu
(225) 578-5784
Facebook: @ACSA.LSU.EDU
Instagram: @LSUACSA
Twitter: @LSUAcademicCtr
Website: acsa.lsu.edu