COLUMN: Time to plan for graduation
Question: Why is the graduation application process so lengthy?
Answer: If you have been paying attention to The Utah Statesman, the TSC banners and your e-mail, you should know that it is time for summer and fall undergraduate graduation candidates to start the application process (please note that graduate students do not follow the same process and deadlines). It is important that students begin now because the deadline is Feb. 17. Students who apply after the deadline will owe a $100 application fee rather than the normal $10 fee.
Many have asked why the process takes four to six weeks. In a world where fast food, the Internet and cellular phones are the norm, it is hard to understand when something doesn’t happen immediately. Applying for graduation isn’t like ordering a hamburger though, it is an important step in your life. It marks the approaching completion of your time as a student and the beginning of your new life as a graduate. This singular step should not be taken lightly and must be completed with thought, planning and determination.
Only you and your adviser know when you are planning to graduate. The university can look at your total credits and make assumptions about your eligibility to graduate, but many students do multiple majors or may be taking preparation courses for a graduate program and therefore don’t plan to graduate at exactly 120 credits. Because of this, YOU must tell the university when you plan to graduate. This is done by completing the form at www.usu.edu/registrar/graduation/apply-online.html. The form at this site should be completed approximately two months prior to the application deadline for which you plan to graduate. Therefore, if you plan to graduate Summer or Fall 2004, you should complete the form immediately!
Once you have notified us of your intent to graduate, the staff in the Registrar’s Office will create a graduation application packet for you. Due to the volume of applicants and the detail required to create the packet, this takes approximately two weeks. When the two weeks have elapsed, it is your responsibility to bring your student identification card to the Registrar’s Office to pick up your packet. The packet contains an unofficial transcript and a summary of the graduation requirements for which you are deficient.
You must take this packet to your adviser. Together, you and your adviser should determine how you will meet the remaining requirements. Your adviser will help you plan future term schedules and will discuss specific requirements including GPA, total credits, upper division credits, etc. Please keep in mind that there are state, university, college and departmental requirements. Your adviser is the best person to assist you in understanding each set of requirements.
Once you and your adviser have filled out the packet, you must get all the required signatures. These include your adviser, department head, and academic dean for each major and/or minor. Please keep in mind that each of these individuals is busy. It is not likely that they will be able to sign your form upon demand. They also need time to review the accuracy of your plan. Don’t forget that you also must sign your application. This acknowledges your responsibility to complete the requirements as outlined.
When the form is completed and you have obtained all the necessary signatures, bring it to the Registrar’s Office with the $10 application fee. This is due by Feb. 17 for Summer and Fall 2004 graduates. Applications submitted after Feb. 17 will still be accepted but the fee will be $100. So, don’t delay – start today!
Heidi Beck is the associate registrar. Comments can be sent to heidi.beck@usu.edu.