Graduate Graduation Information
Graduate students who anticipate receiving their master's or doctorate degree in May, 2008 are invited to participate in the May commencement ceremony to be held on Friday evening, May 9, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, on the campus of Bloomsburg University.
Candidates and advisors for all degrees must be present at 5:00 p.m. in the Band Room of Haas Center for the Arts, which is located through the entrance on the west side (opposite Columbia Hall) of Haas. Graduates not present and assembled by 5:30 pm 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 phone The University Store for information at (570) 389-4180 or email them at csodergr@bloomu.edu. The University Store closes at 4:30 on Fridays; therefore, 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.
Lodging In Bloomsburg And Vicinity
Information about lodging and other services in the Bloomsburg area
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 at ahakim@bloomu.edu.
Picture At Graduation
Chappell Studios will contact you with a proof and cost to purchase a photograph that will be taken of you as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. Payment in advance is not necessary in order to view your proofs. If you do not receive your proofs, call Debra Findlay at Chappell Studios (1-800-247-3435) for assistance.
Holds On Your 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. 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. Call 1-800-353-5299 for ordering information (specify GRADUATE). General graduation announcements can be purchased at The University Store.
Career Development Center
The Career Development 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 their website. The Career Development Center is located in the 201 Student Services Center, phone (570)389-4070.
Financial Aid Exit Interview
Financial Aid Exit Counseling - Recipients of the Federal Stafford Loan Program must complete exit counseling online at www.bloomu.edu/aid prior to graduation. 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.
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 Ms. Sharon Swank, Teacher Certification Coordinator, College of Professional Studies, McCormick 3128, (570)389-5128 or e-mail . Your PRAXIS/NTE tests must have been successfully completed and your degree must be granted before your application can be approved and forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Harrisburg. Anticipated processing time is two weeks on campus and two to four weeks in Harrisburg. P.D.E.'s website at www.pde.state.pa.us contains certification information and the application form.