Graduation is just around the corner. During this time of excitement, there may still be a few loose ends to tie up. Here, you’ll find some guidance to help you seamlessly transition into your next chapter. This eight-step checklist was designed to make your graduation experience go as smoothly as possible.

1. Review your graduation requirements

It’s good to keep track of your graduation requirements throughout your educational journey, but you should also check back in before graduation. For an associate degree, you need 90 quarter credit hours of coursework and for a bachelor’s degree you need 180. Within these hours, you’ll have specific academic requirements based on your degree program. All classes in your major need to be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or a P if taking the course Pass/Fail. You’ll find more information on requirements for an associate and bachelor’s degree here. The requirements for a master's degree vary, depending on the program, and can be found here.

Sometimes things can get overlooked. That class you thought was four credits was only three or maybe those credits from your previous school didn’t transfer. To avoid last-minute surprises, check in with your student services coach to make sure you’ve fulfilled all of your degree conferral requirements. It’s best to do this before your last quarter so you have time to address any issues. You can also check your progress to graduation in your iCampus account. Under the My Academics tab, click on GPS Academic Dashboard. The last thing any of us want is for something to delay you from graduating on time.

2. Complete essential steps for degree conferral and commencement

There are several steps to take to receive your diploma, ensure it is conferred and attend commencement. Make sure that you:

• Pay the mandatory, nonrefundable Final Academic Requirements Evaluation Fee. You can do this in your iCampus account under Finance. The conferral fee for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees is $150. This fee is not related to commencement ceremony participation.
• Make sure your home address is updated. You can check for accuracy and make any necessary changes directly in iCampus. The university will use the address on file to mail your diploma. If you need to update how your name will appear on your diploma, please submit a ticket via iCampus or connect with your student services coach.
• Check in with your student services coach to see if there are other forms specific to your major or individual circumstances.

3. Get copies of your transcript

New jobs, internships, fellowships and other such programs sometimes require a copy of your transcript. While you can always request copies of your transcript, it’s good to already have some on hand – especially if you’re going directly into a new program. Once your transcript reflects the completion of your degree, you can request official transcripts on iCampus. You can also download unofficial transcripts from iCampus as well.

4. Secure long-term connections

For students planning on applying to another degree program, or even for a new job, it’s good to reconnect with professors for letters of recommendation. Career Coach Jennifer Ladka says, “I recommend that students proactively build meaningful connections with their professors and peers during their academic journey. These relationships can lead to recommendation letters and references, as well as play a pivotal role in shaping one's educational and professional trajectory.”

Before you leave Strayer University, reach out to the professors best suited to recommend you. If you formed a special rapport with any in particular, or if they offered advice or connections in helping with your next steps, maintain the connection. Ladka says you can do this through LinkedIn or email, but an important part of maintaining your connection is showing your gratitude:

“​​Whenever a student connects with a professor, peer, or other influential person in their career journey, I always encourage them to take a moment to send a sincere thank you note that expresses their appreciation for the career guidance or mentorship. Expressing gratitude helps build the connection and leaves a positive impression on those who have contributed to your growth.”

5. Consult your student services coach about next steps

Strayer University students are fortunate in that they have their own personal student services coaches. Your student services coach is dedicated to helping you every step of the way to success, working with you to create a plan and helping you stick to it. They help you navigate life as a student, and can also direct you to the relevant resources within the Strayer University Career Center and Strayer University Alumni Association. The Career Center is available for both current students and alumni. Also, participation in the Career Center and Alumni Association is available for life, which can be very helpful throughout your career.

6. Get ready for commencement

Commencement is an important and special occasion, and we highly recommend all students attend a commencement ceremony whenever feasible. Four weeks before graduation, detailed ceremony information will be emailed to all registered graduates in the Graduating Student Newsletter. If you do not receive the emailed newsletter, please contact [email protected]. It’s your day, and we want you to celebrate with us. Plan in advance so commencement goes as smoothly as possible. Make sure to:

• Choose the commencement ceremony you will attend and register by the deadline.
• Make travel and lodging arrangements as soon as possible.
• Order a commencement cap and gown.
• Consider registering for a commencement award.
• Apply for a Visa Letter for Family Living abroad to attend the commencement, if needed.

7. Finish strong

You’ve approached the graduation finish line, but you still need to cross it. Don’t give up yet! Keep working as hard as you usually do and your graduation will feel that much sweeter. Dennis Carlson, Director of Student Services and Advising, reminds students that help is always available. “I do believe that students come here with graduation in mind – not to just start. Knowing all of the tools that support you in your path to graduation helps to keep you on that journey.”

8. Celebrate

Graduating is a tremendous success, as is every course you completed, every test you passed and every quarter you enrolled in classes. Strayer alum Victoria Boston, MBA, BBA, says the confidence graduating can give you lasts long after the ceremony. "The confidence you'll have once you finish is so important... not just for your career but in life." After all your hard work, you deserve to celebrate your accomplishments. Take some time to yourself. Treat yourself to something. Spend time with the people you love to honor and celebrate your graduation.

There’s a lot to do to prepare to cross the finish line, but keeping these eight things in mind will help you complete those final yards with ease. Remember, you’ve already done most of the hard work – graduating will be the easy part!

 

Learn more about starting or finishing your degree with Strayer's flexible online degree programs.