A How-to Guide for Graduating Students

So you've finally reached the end of the road, and are on your way to graduation, but you're unsure as to how to go about the application process. Well, hopefully, this can help you navigate the system. Here is how to start.

First, go onto your navigator account. Under "My Academics" on your Academic home page, click "Apply for Graduation."

If you're double majoring, you must choose one major as your primary graduation program. Remember,

you must choose the exact program you want as your primary graduation program otherwise, your requirements may change.

You must then enter when you plan on finishing your requirements. If you will be done with all of your courses by the end of May, you must apply for graduation by Jan. 31.

If you have to take summer courses to graduate but still want to walk in May, just enter that you plan on finishing in the summer, then select the first ceremony as the one you wish to attend.

Since you have to take summer courses, the deadline for applications will be March 15. Don't forget that you must take fewer than nine credits in the summer to be eligible for May 2012 graduation.

If you plan on being done in the summer but can't walk until 2013, your deadline will be July 1.

After all this, you'll then enter your name exactly how you want it to appear on your diploma, review your information, and submit and you're done.

Quick facts:

•It costs $50 to apply for graduation (this only goes through if you get accepted).

•If you apply late, the fee is $100. You also risk not being placed in the graduation book. In the past, some students have applied the week of graduation due to late grades, but it's always safer to apply by the due date to avoid last minute mistakes.

•You can apply, be accepted, and walk at commencement with holds on your account, but you will not receive a degree.

•You must buy your graduation accessories from the bookstore. These things will go on sale around the start of April.

•Last year's price for a cap, gown, and tassel was a total of $22 (prices are subject to change this year). If you'd like to buy an additional tassel (for your minor, or double major), they are $3 each. A different colored tassel represents each program of study.

•Any withstanding tickets from campus police will not hinder your graduation (only your ability to renew your license).

•When you apply, it does not automatically mean you're graduating. You must be accepted. This means that upon your review, you must appear to have the correct credentials. If you are rejected, you receive a letter explaining why, and your $50 payment will go back to you.

•Graduation will be held on May 19th at the O'Keefe Center at 10 a.m. The ceremony will last most likely no more than three hours depending on the graduation class size.

•You will receive four free tickets. If you require extras, there is a certain date in which you can get some. Please check with the registrar for this date.

•Day and Evening students must receive their tickets from different offices.

Please note: Any information not given is not yet available. The registrar will post more information once they get their affairs in order. Do not be afraid to call and ask them questions at (978) 542-6300.

No matter how many years it took you to graduate, you deserve the best in life. Congratulations on obtaining a degree. Now go and do something wonderful with it.

Good luck!