Document Actions
Information for Seniors
How do I ensure that I'm on track to graduate? | What happens if I need an extra semester? | What are graduation advisors? How do I see them? | When and how do I apply to graduate? | What is the Senior underload? How do I find out if this is right for me? | Major caveats to the Senior underload | How do I find out about the logistics of graduation day?
How do I ensure that I’m on track to graduate?
- If you’ve been making regular advising appointments to have your worksheet updated, you are less likely to be surprised at your final graduation check
- Verify that the courses you have enrolled in will satisfy your final requirements before the semester starts.
What happens if I need an extra semester?
- If you feel you need an extra semester to finish your degree, please download and fill out this form and submit it to Office G017 in Steele Building. Please consult the Guidelines for Requesting Additional Semesters before completing your request.
- Requests for an extra semester must be approved by the Associate Dean of Academic Advising. They are given only in exceptional circumstances.
- Students approved for an extra semester will graduate with only one major and no minors.
What are graduation advisors? How do I see them?
- Many advisors in all divisions work with seniors. In addition, the graduation coordinator and a small group of graduation advisors work exclusively with seniors. (Listing of advisors available to discuss graduation)
- Graduation advisors are the only ones who will change majors or do worksheets without an appointment. Note that this takes some time, so you may wait longer for a walk-in meeting with one of these advisors. Please be patient.
When and how do I apply to graduate?
- If you will be completing all requirements for your degree by the end of this term, you will need to apply for graduation online. Do not apply until the beginning of your final semester or summer.
- There are two types of applications. Fill out the graduation application if you know you will maintain at least 12 academic hours in your final semester. Fill out the underload application if you are even considering dropping below 12 hours.
What is the Senior underload? How do I find out if this is right for me?
- Seniors who will have completed ALL degree requirements and plan to graduate at the end of the current semester may carry fewer than 12 hours and still have the privileges of a full-time student within the University (access to dorms, campus services, etc).
- Seniors on underload pay full student fees, but pay tuition based on the number of credit hours they are enrolled in. (add underload verbiage from the form about two weeks to apply to receive discounted fees)
- It is important to request an underload early in the semester even if you are not sure if this is the right choice for you. Note that submitting a request for an underload does not obligate you taking the underload.
Major caveats to the Senior underload:
- The Registrar’s office classifies students enrolled in fewer than 12 hours as ‘Part-time’ students in reports to outside agencies. Enrolling in fewer than 12 hours can affect:
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Eligibility for health and auto insurance
- Perceptions of admissions committees and employers
- Make sure that you have considered the pros and cons of the underload option before making your final decision.
How do I find out about the logistics of graduation day?
- Graduation ceremonies are coordinated by the Office of University Events. Check out the Commencement website to find out about the ceremony, diplomas, caps & gowns, and answers to your commencement questions.
