Transcript HUB Developmental Education Committee

NMU
GRADUATION
CHECKLIST
Congratulations!
Graduating is a BIG
accomplishment
Fewer than 50 percent of all entering
freshman earn a bachelor’s degree within
six years of starting college.
40% of NMU Students are not approved
to graduate the first time they register
for graduation.
Some typical reasons:
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All required courses are not complete.
Registrar’s Office doesn’t have approved course substitutions on file.
(Advisers need to approve and file substitutions).
A change of Undergraduate Bulletin year hasn’t been requested.
The major and/or minor have not been declared by the student.
Registration errors made…students ARE REQUIRED to register for
graduation. The process is the exact same as registering for classes.
5-10% of students approved as
graduation candidates don’t end up
graduating.
WHY?
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Receive incomplete grade
final semester.
Final cumulative GPA is too
low (below 2.0).
Required grade for
major/minor course(s) are
not satisfied.
Want to make sure that you’re set to
graduate?
What steps you can take?
The next
group of
slides
should help!
First ask: What do I need to
do to be eligible to
graduate?
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Do your best to avoid the scenarios mentioned in the
previous slides, like registration errors, not consulting with
your adviser, etc.
VERIFY that your academic records are in order PRIOR to
registering for graduation. Visit the Registrar’s office.
Earn the minimum required number of credits: 124 for
baccalaureate, 62 for associate, 31 for certificate.
Complete all liberal studies requirements.
Complete requirements for major, and minor (if
applicable).
Satisfy GPA requirements for major and minor.
Then ask: How do I KNOW for sure
whether I’m eligible to graduate?
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Take a look at your NMU degree evaluation
(available at my.nmu.edu).
Have you completed all coursework for your
major and/or minor? Talk with your adviser.
Have you met the minimum GPA requirements?
Have you verified that your academic records
are in order?
How about meeting with your adviser again?
Get answers to your questions.
Visit the Academic and Career Advisement
Center (www.nmu.edu/acac). They are
available to help you get the answers you need!
When do you plan to graduate?
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GRADUATION takes place three times every
year: at the end of the fall, winter, and summer
semesters.
COMMENCEMENT is the term used for the
graduation ceremony. Commencement takes
place twice a year, in December and May.
Students graduating at the end of the summer
semester may participate in the commencement
ceremony at the end of the winter semester.
Other Considerations
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Use your entire final year…DO NOT wait until the last
minute to plan your exit strategy!
Consult with NMU’s Career Services Office.
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Graduate school?
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Resume review.
Interview skill-building.
Job search assistance.
Career Fairs.
Research application deadlines two semesters in advance!
Entrance requirements?
GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT prep?
Request letters of recommendation.
“Other stuff”
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Lease?
Settle outstanding balances with NMU.
ON THE BIG DAY!
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Commencement is held at 10:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of the
semester, usually in the Superior Dome.
Arrive early.
Tickets are not required for commencement.
The ceremony lasts about 2 hours.
Other:
 Honors Breakfast (reservations required).
 Graduation Reception (free, no reservations required).
 NMU sends your diploma and final transcript to your permanent
address, or to the address you specify on return mailing label.
This PowerPoint presentation is the
property of Northern Michigan University’s
Academic & Career Advisement Center. It
may not be reproduced without written
consent.
www.nmu.edu/acac