Congratulations! You’ve almost made it to graduation: the end of one chapter of your journey to success and the beginning of the next. Strayer University is honored to have been a part of that journey and we want to ensure that your time with us comes to a successful close. Graduation is an important time, and as exciting as it is, there’s a lot to keep track of. Check out these eight helpful tips for preparing for your big day!

1) CHECK IN WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

It’s good to keep track of your graduation requirements throughout your college career, but you should also check back in before graduation. Sometimes things get lost in the fray. That class you thought was four credits was only three; those credits from your previous school didn’t transfer. To avoid last-minute surprises, check in with your academic advisor to make sure you’ve fulfilled all of your requirements. It’s best to do this before your last quarter so you have time to address any issues. The last thing you want is for something to delay you from graduating on time.

2) COMPLETE THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK

There are several forms and applications you need to fill out to graduate, especially if you are interested in attending commencement. Have you:

• Submitted your Degree Conferral Application and fee to receive your diploma? You can do this in your iCampus account under the Assignments & Academic Support tab. Click on the My Academics link to begin the application. The degree conferral fee for Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees is $150.
• Registered to attend commencement? You can do so here.
• Ordered a commencement cap and gown? Order one here.
• Checked in with your advisor to see if there are other forms specific to your major or individual circumstances?

3) SECURE COPIES OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT

New jobs, internships, fellowships, and other such programs sometimes require a copy of your transcript. While you can always request copies of your transcript, it’s good to already have some—especially if you’re going directly into a new program. Once your transcript reflects the completion of your degree, request a few copies.

4) RECONNECT WITH PROFESSORS

For students planning on applying to another degree program, or even for a new job, it’s good to reconnect with professors for letters of recommendation. Before you leave Strayer University, reach out to the professors best suited to recommend you. If you formed a special rapport with any in particular, or if they offered advice or connections in helping with your next steps, maintain the connection.

5) CONSULT YOUR STUDENT SERVICES COACH ABOUT NEXT STEPS

Strayer University students are fortunate in that they have their own personal Student Services Coaches. Your Student Services Coach is dedicated to helping you every step of the way to success, working with you to create a plan and stick to it. They help you navigate life as a student, but they can also help you figure out the next steps and connect you with the resources you need to chart your journey after school.

6) GET READY FOR COMMENCEMENT

Commencement is an important and special occasion, and we highly recommend all students attend a commencement ceremony whenever feasible. It’s your day, and we want you to celebrate with us. Plan in advance so commencement goes as smoothly as possible. Make sure to:

• Choose the ceremony you will attend and register by the deadline.
• Order your cap and gown.
• Decide who you will invite. Ceremony tickets are not required and all seating is first come, first served.
• Make travel and lodging arrangements as soon as possible.

7) FINISH STRONG

You’ve approached the finish line, but you still need to cross it. Don’t give up yet! It’s common for students to become restless in their final quarters as years of hard work finally come to a close. Don’t let restlessness detract you from staying focused. Take your coursework as seriously as ever, and continue giving 100% to everything you do. You don’t want any final quarter slip-ups to stand in the way of graduation.

8) CELEBRATE!

Graduating is a tremendous success, as is every course you completed, every test you passed, and every quarter you enrolled in classes. That’s a lot of success, and you deserve celebrating your accomplishments! Take some time to yourself. Treat yourself to something. Spend time with the people you love to honor and celebrate your graduation. Don’t let graduation overwhelm you. There’s a lot to do as you cross the finish line, but keeping these eight things in mind will help you complete those final yards with ease. Besides, you’ve already done most of the hard work—graduating will be the easy part!