The fall 2016 commencement ceremony for Columbus State University is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the Columbus Civic Center.

Among the 703 graduates will be CSU’s first graduate from the Guidance and Opportunities for Academic and Leadership Success program, which provides an inclusive college experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are working toward a meaningful career. Shawna Johnson is among the first in her family to attend a four-year institution and is one of the first graduates of an inclusive postsecondary education program in the University System of Georgia to participate in a university-wide commencement ceremony.

Established at CSU in 2014, the GOALS program uses a person-centered planning approach that provides students with the opportunity to set and work toward their personal post-secondary goals as a foundation for lifelong career and community participation.

Jo Ann Hill, director of diversity and employee engagement at Aflac, is the commencement speaker. She leads and manages the diversity and inclusion approach for the company, including the integration of diversity into core personnel and business processes, with a focus on developing, implementing and driving best practice