Preparing for Graduation
Application for Graduation - It is the graduating student's responsibility to complete an Application for Graduation form and it to their department 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. The Application for Graduation is available in the Graduation Office, Carver Hall and from the website.
Department approval is necessary in order to be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony, have your name printed in the program, and for the degree to be granted. It is the responsibility of the department to notify expected graduates if there are any graduation deficiencies. In addition, all requirements for a minor or career concentration must be completed and verification of completion must be sent to Registrar by the responsible department for inclusion on the final transcript.
Announcement Cards - Three types of graduation announcements are available for graduates. 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. "Print your own" announcements are $19.00 for 25 at the University Store. Generic graduation announcements can be purchased at the store beginning in April; approximately $4.50 for a package of five.
Area Lodging - Information about the university's corporate partners, including motels.
Awards Presentation - Awards will be presented for academic and other honors through individual departments. Contact the department or dean about any questions or concerns.
Cap, Gown and Tassel - Academic attire for undergraduate students may be purchased for $25 at the Grad Finale' 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 e-mail.
Undergraduate academic regalia consists of black gowns with wide 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' and in the University Store in mid-March to assist seniors in selecting class rings. Call 1-800-4241492 for information about class rings if you cannot be present during these times.
Financial Aid Exit Counseling - Recipients of the Federal Stafford Loan Program must complete exit counseling prior to graduation here: bloomu.edu/aid/ Questions may be directed to the Financial Aid Office (119 Student Services Center, 570-389-4279. 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'
The Grad Finale' on Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Alumni House, a buffet will be served compliments of the Alumni Association. The Alumni House is located on Lightstreet Road above the Rec Center. May and August undergraduates will verify that approval has been received for graduation, obtain your name card, cap and gown ($25 cash or credit card), academic honors cords if awarded, purchase announcement cards, have your senior picture taken if you like (no appointment necessary), and talk with Career Development, Graduate Studies and sing-up for the alumni website. NOTE: If you cannot attend the Grad Finale', check additional information under Cap and Gown, Honor Cords and Name Cards.
Honors/Honor Cords - Students eligible for the gold academic honor cord will receive the cord at the time they obtain name card or may obtain these items at the Information Table in the line-up area before the ceremony. Academic honors for the undergraduate commencement program and ceremony are based on the cumulative grade point average for the semester prior to the last semester. Honors for the diploma and final transcript are based on the cumulative grade point average including the last semester. A minimum of 45 credits must be earned in residence at Bloomsburg University to qualify for honors. Honors are defined as: Cum Laude, 3.50 to 3.74; Magna Cum Laude, 3.75 to 3.94; and Summa Cum Laude, 3.95 to 4.00. If you are are an off-campus student, the cord can be obtained before the graduation ceremony at the Graduation Information Table which will be located where you will line-up to process.
Name Cards - At the Grad Finale' students will be given a colored index card with their name as it will appear on the diploma, and academic honors listed, if eligible. If your name is difficult to pronounce, please cross out your name and print it phonetically on the card. Be sure to bring the name card to the commencement ceremony, as this card will be handed to the faculty reader to announce students' name they cross the stage. If students cannot attend the Grade Finale' or misplace the card, another can be made for you at the Graduation Information Table located where you will line-up with your college.
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 in order to print the student's name in the commencement program. Additionally, students who do not wish their names to be released are excluded from post-commencement distribution of graduate lists to the media.
Rehearsal - There is no rehearsal for the graduation ceremonies. Please read the written instructions under "Day of Graduation".