While many students may think graduation is simply a matter of completing the course requirements on that pink piece of paper, then tossing your cap in May, it is not quite that simple.
Students must complete an application process through their College to determine if they are eligible for graduation.
Robert Kline, an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences, has dealt with many students and seen all the mistakes students tend to make when applying for graduation.
"Check yours DARS report," Kline said. "A lot of times students assume or think they have met a requirement that they actually have not."
The Degree Audit Requirement System (DARS) report is something every student has access to through their MyBGSU account. It shows a student all the classes required of them, as well as which classes they have or have not taken. This report is a very useful tool when preparing to apply for graduation.
For students looking to graduate, there are simple steps to take to ensure the walk in May.
Guaranteeing Graduation
Review your DARS report
Check your DARS report and review it with your advisor. You should look for classes you still need, internships you need to complete and if you have met the required amount of credit hours. You should check your actual report and not rely solely on your personal records.
Double checking you transcripts
If you are a transfer student, you need to make sure the University has a record of your transcripts from your previous university and you need to know exactly what credits transferred.
You must apply
This is done by clicking the link "Apply for Graduation" in your MyBGSU account, then following the prompts. The deadline for application of May 2010 graduation was January 22, but some colleges do accept late paper copies for consideration.
Don't forget the application fee
There is a $35 application fee to graduate regardless of what college you are in. The $35 fee will be added to your bursar bill automatically when you apply, so you do not need to worry about arranging any type of payment.
All there is left to do is walk
Once you have been approved for graduation and you have passed all of your classes, the only thing left to do is to get your diploma. Graduation dates are set by which college you graduate from and the dates are listed below.
Haven't Applied?
If you are eligible for May graduation and have not applied yet, Kline said the best advice would be to talk to the office of your college. Many colleges accept paper copies after the deadline for consideration and are willing to work out a solution with students.
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