Before Graduation
Academic Honors — Honors for undergraduate commencement are based on the cumulative grade point average for the semester prior to the fall. Honors for the diploma and final transcript are based on the cumulative grade point average, including the fall semester. A minimum of 45 credits must be earned in residence at Bloomsburg University as of the next-to-last semester in order to qualify for honors at the ceremony.
Honors are: Cum Laude, 3.50 to 3.74; Magna Cum Laude, 3.75 to 3.94; and Summa Cum Laude, 3.95 to 4.00.
Announcement cards — Two types of graduation announcements are available. Personalized graduation announcements can be ordered through Jostens at the Grad Finale' or at the University Store. Call 1-800-353-5299 for off-campus ordering information or go to Jostens Web site. Generic graduation announcements with the university seal can be purchased at the store any time after mid-October, $4.99 for a package of five.
Application for Graduation — It is the graduating student's responsibility to complete an Application for Graduation form and return it to their department by Oct. 1 in order to notify their department and the graduation office of their intent to graduate. Secondary education, double majors, and dual degree students must submit two applications. If a student has a question about eligibility, contact the advisor or department chairperson as soon as possible. The Application for Graduation is available online
It is the responsibility of the department to notify expected graduates if there are any graduation deficiencies. Nov. 1 is the deadline for the departments to approve applications for graduation and submit to the graduation office. Department approval is necessary in order to be eligible to participate in commencement, have a name printed in the program and for the degree to be granted. Students who will complete requirements for a minor or career concentration, please request verification of completion from the appropriate department to be sent to the registrar for inclusion on the final transcript.
Area lodging — See a listing of motels and hotels near Bloomsburg University.
Cap, gown and tassel — Academic attire for undergraduate students may be purchased for $30 at the Grad Finale' on Nov. 17 and any time thereafter at the University Store. The gown, cap, or tassel may also be purchased separately. If students are not able to get to campus, contact Carl Sodergren at the University Store to arrange for mailing: (570) 389-4180 or by e-mail.
Undergraduate academic regalia consists of black gowns with wide, straight-edged sleeves and black mortarboard caps with maroon and gold tassels. The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until the degree has been awarded. The uniform of the armed forces is the only other apparel officially recognized and permitted to be worn.
Although there is no dress code for commencement, since the gown has an open collar, please wear appropriate attire underneath. Men should wear shirts and ties. Any ornamentation, other than university-related honor cords, is not allowed on the cap and gown.
Class rings — A Jostens' representatives will be available with sample rings at the Grad Finale' on Nov. 17. Call 1-800-424-1492 or visit Jostens' Web site for more information.
Financial aid exit counseling
- Recipients of the Federal Stafford Loan Program must complete exit counseling prior to graduation here. Contact the financial aid office, 119 Student Services Center, 570-389-4279, for more information.
- Recipients of the Federal Perkins Loan Program (National Direct Student Loan) must arrange an exit interview through the business office, Waller Administration Building, 570-389-4588, prior to graduation.
Grad Finale'
Photo I.D. is necessary to attend the event, which will be held on Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alumni House. This is an opportunity for December 2009 bachelor's candidates to purchase their cap and gown ($30), obtain the name card (to be used to announce graduate's when crossing the stage) and honor cord if eligible.
Students can have their senior picture taken for the yearbook (no appointment necessary), order a class ring and purchase announcement cards. They can also speak with career development counselors, sign up for the alumni newsletter and check out BU's graduate programs. The University Store will offer a special alumni T-shirt package for graduates and a buffet will be served compliments of the Alumni Association.
Honors/honor cords — Students eligible for a gold academic honor cord (see Academic Honors) will receive the cord at the time they obtain their name card at the Grad Finale' or at the box office in the lobby of Haas Auditorium before the ceremony. All other graduation cords come from the department or program.
Name cards — At the Grad Finale', expected grads will be given a colored-coded index card with their name as it will appear on the diploma along with academic honors listed if eligible. If the name is difficult to pronounce, print it phonetically on the card. Be sure to bring the name card to the commencement ceremony, as graduates will need to hand this card to the faculty reader to announce names as they cross the stage. If the card is misplaced, another can be made before the ceremony at the box office in the lobby of Haas.
No Information Release — If a student has stipulated that no information may be released concerning university records, a written release must be submitted to the registrar's office, Student Services Center 150, to print their name in the commencement program.
Additionally, students who do not wish their information to be released are excluded from post-commencement distribution of graduate lists to the media. No information release also means the university cannot provide information for employment verification.
Rehearsal — There is no rehearsal for the graduation ceremonies. Please read the written instructions under "Day of Graduation."
Teacher certification — Applications for teacher certification are available from Bonnie Burke, teacher certification coordinator, College of Education, McCormick, Room 3105, 570-389-5128 or by e-mail.
PRAXIS tests must be completed and the degree granted before the application can be approved and forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Anticipated processing time is two weeks on campus and four weeks through PDE. See BU's Web site or PDE's Web site for more information. See here for the application form.
Yearbook — Call 1-800-687-9327 to schedule an appointment with a photographer for senior pictures. Contact Stacie Bond in The Obiter office, 570-389-4463, for more information. Distribution of the yearbook, which includes December, May and August graduates, is free to all graduating seniors. The Obiter will be sent to graduates during the fall semester following commencement.