Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
clay banks zUf39GDNyzU unsplash?width=719&height=464&fit=crop&auto=webp
clay banks zUf39GDNyzU unsplash?width=398&height=256&fit=crop&auto=webp
/ Unsplash
Life

What Grads Should Know Before Graduation

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hamline chapter.

Summer is approaching, and that is super exciting! However, there’s a lot to plan for before we end the semester. For seniors, graduation is coming and it’s vital that you are informed in advance so that your commencement ceremony can go as smoothly as possible. Here’s a checklist of things to do before May 19.

Check to make sure your name is spelled correctly:

You already have to wait long enough to receive your diploma; make sure your name is spelled correctly so that you don’t have to send back one with a mistake. You can check your student information on Piperline. This is especially important for students who have “Jr.” or a an extra capital letter in their name, since it is often left out on some documents.

Make sure you have no fines on your account:

It would be super awkward to get to the ceremony just to find out you can’t receive a diploma because you have outstanding fees. They’re easy to figure out and pay, so do it sooner rather than later. For more questions, contact the Student Accounts office in East Hall in order to meet with someone to discuss your holds.

Purchase a cap and gown from Herff Jones or the bookstore:

If you already have your own cap and gown, whether it be one that you bought or a family heirloom, you still need a Hamline tassel. Order caps and gowns with plenty of time before graduation day. You can get them online here. After Apr. 20 you can order them by calling the bookstore.

Record the pronunciation of your name:

You probably should have already done this on the RSVP to graduate, but if not, the recording is part of the form, which can be found here. Trust me, I’ve had enough people mispronounce my name at ceremonies to know it takes away at the seriousness of the event.

Senior survey:

Complete the senior survey here. Let Hamline know about your experiences during college and what you plan to do in the future.

Complete your journey out of college:

Before you leave for sure, make sure to complete loan exit counseling, give Piper Express an address to forward your mail to and, most importantly, thank your professors, advisors, parents or anyone else that has helped or encourage you in the past four years.

As a reminder, the undergraduate commencement is Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m., and the graduate commencement is at 3 p.m. You should arrive one hour before the start time. For more information, go here, or contact Conference and Event Management at (651)523-2707.

 

Madelaine Formica is nineteen. She is the Campus Correspondent for the Hamline HerCampus Chapter. She's been published for her scripts on jaBlog and for a short story in Realms YA magazine. She's also a senior reporter for The Oracle and a literary editor for Fulcrum literary magazine.