Academic Success and Engagement

Graduation Guides

Whether you graduate this semester or in the near future, one thing is certain: you're feeling pumped!  The info below can help with the logistics of getting to graduation, and to help prepare you for life after graduation.

Graduation Guide:

ALREADY APPLIED FOR GRADUATION? 
STILL NEED TO APPLY TO GRADUATE? 
PERSONAL FINANCES: LIFE AFTER COLLEGE  
CHECKLISTS FOR YOUR JOURNEY AHEAD  
RESOURCES TO BE READY FOR THE REAL WORLD  

ALREADY APPLIED FOR GRADUATION?

If you've already applied for graduation, here are the next steps to tackle:

• Review your email.The Registrar will provide regular emails about the commencement ceremony and any time-sensitive updates.
  • Scope out the commencement webpage. Details will be posted on the commencement website as they become available. Monitor regularly for info on ceremony line up logistics, guest tickets, parking, photography, etc.
  • Monitor email for MarchingOrder updates. Students who have applied for graduation will receive an email invitation from MarchingOrder to submit name pronunciation information and review the graduation details on file.
  • Plan for the cap, gown, and other items. Students participating in commencement are required to wear appropriate regalia.  These items are available for purchase from the Main Campus University Bookstore. 

• IN STORE: You may purchase regalia in-store at the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore, located in Gateway Plaza. Regalia usually stocks about 5 weeks prior to the ceremony. Contact Barnes & Noble for additional information.
• ONLINE: Students may order regalia online as well. There is a charge for shipping. The bookstore does not track online orders, you will work directly with the vendor to resolve any issues. Contact Barnes & Noble for additional information.
• Questions? Contact graduation@utoledo.edu for further assistance.

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STILL NEED TO APPLY TO GRADUATE?

If you need to apply for graduation, here are the next steps to tackle:

• Review your program requirements. 
  Confirm that you've met all requirements for your program with your academic advisor. 
• Apply to graduate online.
  Be sure to do this promptly at MyUT > Student Tab > My Records > Apply to Graduate. 
• Note upcoming deadlines.

• View the fall, spring, and summer semester graduation application deadlines. 
• Summer graduation candidates are invited to participate in either a spring or fall ceremony. Apply for your desired semester promptly to ensure you’re included in commencement reporting. 
• If you've missed the current graduation deadline, you can still apply!
  If you apply past the deadline, contact your academic college to let them know since your name did not initially appear in earlier reports of candidates for graduation. You may still apply after the posted deadline for graduation. However, applying late means you may miss important graduation-related mailings, may not appear in the commencement program, and may not allow your college or department sufficient time to complete an evaluation of your record prior to the term's end. Be proactive in making final preparations for graduation and commencement to help ensure it goes smoothly.
• More questions?
  View more information at graduation application deadlines.
  For questions, please contact graduation@utoledo.edu.

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PERSONAL FINANCES: LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

It's going to feel amazing to accomplish your goal of earning that degree! Chances are, you're also asking lots of financial questions right now. Here are some resources to get you started.

PREPARING TO GRADUATE COLLEGE

Steps as you prepare to exit your program:

• Student Repayment Overview Video
• 4 Tips for Student Loan Repayment
• Complete Exit Counseling

 WHEN YOU GRADUATE

Steps to complete upon graduating:

• Update Your Contact Info  
• Creating a Budget: 5-Minute Mini-Lesson
• Debt-Management: 5-Minute Mini-Lesson  

When your in repayment

Steps to consider during the grace period and as you prepare for loan repayment:

• Find Your Loan Servicer
• Understand Your Grace Period
• Loan Simulator Tool Overview
• Choose a Repayment Plan
• Start Making Loan Payments

"ADULTING" BASICS

Prepare for your financial realities as you enter the next stage of your journey:

• Building Emergency Savings: 6-Minute Mini-Lesson
• Shopping for Insurance: 4-Minute Mini-Lesson
• Relocating? Compare "Cost of Living" Between Cities

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CHECKLISTS FOR YOUR JOURNEY AHEAD

Being a junior or senior doesn't have to be stressful! Whether you plan on getting a job in your field right away or applying to graduate school, plan ahead with these guides from your success coach. Don't forget your coach is happy to work with you individually to discuss your plans in depth as well!

• View JUNIOR YEAR Next Steps Checklist
• View SENIOR YEAR Final Steps Checklist
• View GRADUATE SCHOOL Checklist

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RESOURCES TO BE READY FOR THE REAL WORLD

DON'T MISS OUR YOUTUBE "ADULTING" SERIES!
The more you plan and research now, the more confidently you can navigate the unique time after undergrad. You might be considering big changes ahead, including:

• Creating new financial goals
• Relocating for a first job/grad school
• Setting up new living arrangements after graduation
• Purchasing a vehicle
• Managing the loan repayment process

Check out the videos from our new YouTube series to help! 

Adulting Series: Budget Basics 

Adulting Series: Planning For Your New Financial Realities   

Adulting Series: Pinching Pennies   

BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL WARDROBE WITH JC PENNEY ROCKET SUIT UP

The JCP Suit Up Event is hosted each semester to help Rockets develop a professional wardrobe. Purchase everything you need to finish your look for that next interview or job--including suits, dresses, sports coats, dress pants, shoes, and accessories at an additional 30% off!  Shop in participating stores or online using a promo code.  For more information on upcoming dates, check out the JCP Rocket Suit Up website or contact RocketCareerCenter@utoledo.edu.

ROCKET STYLE CAREER CLOSET STARTS YOUR PROFESSIONAL COLLECTION

The Rocket Style Career Closet is on campus for you! Select professional clothing items in preparation for an upcoming interview or new job at no cost.  The items you pick are yours to keep. Shopping visits are by appointment only; no same-day appointments can be made. For more information, check out the Rocket Style Career Closet.

TO DO: FIRST DESTINATION SURVEY

Graduating this semester? Complete the First Destination online survey.  This is a brief online survey gathering employment and graduate school admissions data from new college graduates. This info helps us complete national ranking surveys and maintain our accreditation and certifications. Students who submit the survey can also pick up a complimentary alumni mug from Rocket Career Center! Look for emails with additional information about 6 weeks prior to your graduation date.

Take The First Destination Survey

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