Graduate Graduation Information
Graduate students who anticipate receiving their master's or doctorate degree in December 2009, are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. in Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts.
Candidates and advisors for all degrees must be present at 5 p.m. in the Band Room of Haas Center for the Arts, which is located through the entrance opposite Columbia Hall. Graduates need to be assembled by 5 p.m. or will not be allowed to participate. At that time, instructions will be given concerning the procession, seating and the hooding ceremony.
The following information outlines the ceremony, university policies concerning granting your degree, and frequently asked questions. Participation in the ceremony does not constitute verification of graduation. A student must satisfactorily complete ALL requirements before a degree is awarded. Final grades are not complete by the time ceremonies are held; therefore, diplomas are mailed to the home address of graduating students several weeks after the ceremonies.
Cap, gown and hood
Each participant must be attired in an academic robe, matching cap, and carrying your hood over your left arm. A predesignated faculty member will hood you on stage. Academic attire for graduate students must be purchased through The University Store. If unable to get on campus, the attire may be shipped for a fee. The attire is yours to keep. You can call The University Store for information at (570) 389-4180 or contact the store by e-mail.
The University Store closes at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, thus academic attire should be purchased well in advance. There will be no extra attire at the ceremony. The robe should be pressed. It is inappropriate to attach flowers, signs or messages on the gown or cap. The cap should be worn flat on the top of the head, with the top of the cap parallel to the floor. The tassel should hang on the left side of the cap.
Commencement tickets
No tickets are required for the degree ceremony. Any number of guests may be invited and seating is general admission. The ceremony is open to the public.
Provisions for the disabled and elderly
Guests in wheelchairs will be seated in the handicapped areas in Mitrani, which are located on the ends of the aisles between the orchestra and the loge. Ushers will be available to escort you to the special seating. Please call Anita Hakim (570) 389-4267, at least three weeks prior to the ceremony, if an interpreter for the hearing impaired is needed. Guests who have trouble walking may be dropped off at the main entrance to Haas for easier access. Parking for disabled persons is reserved behind Haas Center for the Arts and at the back of Navy Hall. Check with police officers, who will be stationed throughout the campus parking lots, for directions.
Bloomsburg area lodging
See Web site for a more expanded list.
Diploma covers
You will receive only a diploma cover at the commencement exercises, since grades are not reported until after the graduation ceremony. Your diploma and final transcript will be mailed to you when your degree is granted. Diplomas will be sent to the legal address that is listed on university records. If you do not attend the ceremony, a cover may be obtained by contacting Anita Hakim, graduation coordinator, by e-mail e-mail.
Graduation photo
Chappell Studios will e-mail proofs and purchase price of photographs taken of graduates as the diploma cover is received and an off-stage posed photo. Payment in advance is not necessary in order to view proofs. If you do not receive your proofs or have questions, contact Chappell Studios at 800-247-3435 or visit Chappell's Web site for assistance.
Holds on records, grades and transfer credits
All holds must be cleared from your records before your degree and diploma are awarded and final transcript is released. Holds include any financial obligation to the university including basic fees, parking tickets, library fines, thesis binding fees and return of building keys.
Any courses with a grade of Incomplete or Research in Progress must be changed to a letter grade before your degree can be granted. All transfer credits must be received and recorded.
Transcripts
A transcript request form is available in the registrar's office or online here. Indicate "hold for degree" on your request, and the official transcript will be mailed after your degree has been granted. Requests can be made in person or mailed.
Announcement cards
Personalized graduation announcements can be ordered through Jostens at 1-800-353-5299 (specify GRADUATE). General graduation announcements can be purchased at The University Store.
Career Development Center
The center offers career planning assistance to all students. In addition to individual career counseling sessions, the center provides permanent job opportunity information to graduating students and alumni. Visit its Web site for more information.
Financial aid exit interview
Recipients of the Federal Stafford Loan Program must complete exit counseling online here prior to graduation. 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 in the Waller Administration Building, 570-389-4588, prior to graduation.
No Information Release
If you have stipulated that no information may be released concerning your university records, a written release must be submitted to the registrar's office, 150 Student Services Center, in order to print your name in the commencement program.
Teacher certification applications
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.