by Gabbi Gonzalez
It’s summertime, and the living is easy…unless, of course, you’re a senior completing your final months of coursework before graduation. With summer commencement fast approaching, we’ve compiled a list of tasks UNF seniors must complete before they walk across the stage on Aug. 4, 2017.
Verify completion of all degree requirements with your academic advisor
First things first − you need to make sure you’re eligible to graduate. Have you completed every class you need for your major? Do you have enough upper-level credits? Are there any incomplete or non-reported grades? If you’re not 100 percent sure, make an appointment with your academic advisor, and get the green light to apply.
Apply for graduation
Once you’ve passed go and collected the okay from your advisor, you’ll need to apply for graduation. The application deadline is June 30. Apply on your myWings account by clicking on Student Records under the Student Services tab.
Applying as soon as possible is crucial. The earlier you apply, the sooner you will know whether you can graduate this semester. Applying early will also ensure your name is printed correctly in the commencement program.
Order your regalia
If you plan on walking at commencement, you will need to rent your cap and gown on the UNF Bookstore website. The deadline to pre-order your cap and gown is June 23. Walk-in orders can be placed at the bookstore until the day before graduation; however, there is no guarantee your size will be available, and you want your robe to fit on the big day.
The UNF Bookstore sells other grad necessities like announcements, thank you notes, class rings and diploma frames. After all the blood, sweat and tears you put into getting your degree – you’re going to need to buy a frame.
Check your UNF email
Check your UNF email regularly. This is how you’ll be notified if your graduation application has been approved. The University will communicate with you via your UNF email to make sure you complete other tasks along the way to commencement, such as paying off all your debts and fines owed to UNF and updating your email and home address. You will be contacted via your UNF email if you qualify for the extra ticket lottery.
Pick up your tickets, cap and gown
Ticket and cap and gown distribution will take place 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., July 31 – Aug. 3, at the UNF Bookstore. Remember photo ID is required to pick up your tickets.
During this time, make sure you head over to Alumni Hall to pick up your alumni pin.
Arrive early on the big day
Commencement for the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction is scheduled for 10 a.m., Aug. 4. Commencement for the College of Education and Human Services, Coggin College of Business and the Brooks College of Health will begin at 2 p.m. Be sure to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled commencement time. Candidates who arrive late will have to march at the end of the procession, and candidates who arrive after the procession begins will not walk – so arrive early! You didn’t work this hard to miss your own commencement.
Summer commencement will be here in a blink, seniors. Stay proactive this summer by keeping up with your coursework and deadlines regarding graduation. You’re nearing the end of the undergraduate marathon, and now it’s time for that final sprint. Give these last few weeks your all so you can move on to the next exciting chapter that awaits you.
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