COLUMN: Allow extra time for graduation process
Editors Note: This column runs periodically as a resource for students.
Questions regarding admissions, registration and graduation can be submitted to heidi.beck@usu.edu.
Question: When should I start to think about graduation?
Answer: From the moment you step foot on campus, you should be thinking about the day you graduate. Think of the excitement of walking into the Spectrum dressed in your academic regalia. Your parents and other loved ones are in the seats, beaming with pride. You shake hands with President Kermit L. Hall and walk away with your diploma in hand and four years of growth, experience and friendship in your life. Graduation should be something for which you are always
planning.
If you plan to graduate this coming spring, there are some things you must do now to make that possible. First, you need to let the Registrar’s Office know of your intentions. You do this by either coming into the TSC, Room 246 and completing the goldenrod half-sheet of paper or by applying via the Web at www.usu.edu/registrar/graduation/apply-online.html.
Once that is done, it takes our office about two to three weeks to prepare your graduation packet. At that time, you should return to the TSC, Room 246 with your picture ID, and pick up your graduation packet. Then, make an appointment with your adviser. Do so well in advance as there are waiting lists for many advisers. You must take your packet to your adviser, department head and dean for signatures. Once your packet is complete, return it to the Cashiers Office with your $10 application fee.
The deadline for the application packet to be completed and turned in to the Cashiers Office is Wednesday, Oct. 15. This is a firm deadline. Although late packets will be accepted in the Registrar’s Office, the fee becomes $100 rather than $10. Students submitting late packets are not guaranteed to receive their diploma at commencement or that their name will be in the commencement program. Please don’t allow procrastination to prevent you from receiving the honor and recognition you deserve at graduation. Apply on time!
In order to make sure you meet the Oct. 15 deadline, please start the process NO LATER than Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Congratulations to all of you who plan to graduate this spring. We look forward to seeing you at commencement.
Heidi Jo Beck is the associate registrar. Comments can be sent to heidi.beck@usu.edu.