Writer Marisa Fitzgerald has studied for four years to become a teacher, and she's currently in the process of searching for a job after graduation. But before she starts her career, there is still at least one obstacle she needs to surpass - graduation itself.
'I do feel a bit overwhelmed by everything there is to do,' said Fitzgerald, 22, a senior majoring in early childhood education.
Post-graduation planning aside, soon-to-be-graduates have a lot of pre-graduation planning to be done before commencement day.
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CAP AND GOWN RENTAL
According to Deon Gosney, a cap and gown sales representative, caps and gowns should have been ordered by March 27 in order to avoid the $10 late fee. Although late orders can be made at the alumni house until graduation day, they are limited to the extra stock purchased in advance.
'So, if you're 6'4' and we only have a 5'11,' that might be what you're wearing,' Gosney said.
But according to alumni event planner, Amber Myers, the odds are in favor of the procrastinating graduate that he or she will be able to get a gown that fits.
'Nine times out of ten, we're still able to get everybody a gown that fits them fine,' Myres said.
A bachelor's degree cap, gown and tassel cost $23, plus late fee.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS/INVITATIONS
BYU-specific, personalized graduation announcements may be ordered through CB Graduation Announcements. The company may be reached at 1-800-433-0296 or online at www.CBGrad.com. Traditional graduation announcements are also available at the Customer Service Desk on the third floor of the BYU Bookstore.
Student loan exit counseling
According to a letter BYU sent to potential graduates, students who received federal student loans while at BYU must receive exit counseling before graduation. Because federal regulations require the counseling, a hold may be placed on university records until counseling is completed. A student information form should be filled out and mailed in or accessed under the 'exit counseling' link on the Financial Aid Office's Web page.
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COMMENCEMENT
Of the nearly 7,500 students who graduate in either December or April, between 5,000 and 6,000 students participate in commencement ceremonies, Myres said. For these thousands of students, graduation consists of two days of events.
The university-wide commencement is Thursday, April 25, at 4 p.m. in the Marriott Center. The university requests that graduates assemble north of the ASB at 3 p.m. for the processional, which begins at 3:30. The Commencement/Inauguration exercises last from 4-6 p.m.
Convocation ceremonies will be held separately by each college on Friday, April 26. It is in these smaller ceremonies that the graduates walk across the stage.
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DIPLOMAS
During convocation ceremonies, only the diploma covers are presented. The actual diplomas will be mailed to the mailing addresses listed on the Route Y three to six weeks after graduation. Changes to mailing addresses should be made on or before the last day of classes. Graduates who do not attend convocation may pick up a diploma cover at the Records Office in B-150 ASB.