According to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, the word matriculate means "to enroll as a member of a body, especially at a university or college." Each fall, LSMSA welcomes its new students with a Matriculation Ceremony to signify their acceptance into the school's academic and residential program.  This ceremony is usually scheduled in the early afternoon on the Friday before Labor Day and at its conclusion, students are dismissed for a three-day break.

The ceremony begins as faculty and residential life staff process in and take their place to signify support for the students' work and success.  The Student Government Organization President welcomes the students and leads the sophomores, new juniors, and new seniors in reciting the Honor Code Pledge; a pledge to themselves, to their colleagues, and to the school.  Local dignitaries welcome students to Natchitoches as their second hometown and a guest speaker is invited to share motivational words of wisdom. The keynote address in 2007 was delivered by Dr. Isiah Warner who is Vice Chancellor, Office of Strategic Initiatives at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.  In 2008, Louisiana State Senator Gerald Long spoke to the students about the importance of persevering.  The Matriculation Ceremony always sets the tone for the new school year and is second in importance only to graduation ceremonies.<