Seniors, our time has come!

Our undergraduate years are coming to an end. We have successfully matriculated and our reward will be a diploma.

But before we get too excited about our accomplishments, there are a few things we must do to ensure we walk across that stage May 8.

First, we should be placing our orders for our caps and gowns and any other ceremony regalia.  Otherwise, a $25 late fee will be slapped on any order placed after March 31. Go to www.herffjones.com/college to order your graduation gear. 

When we came to WSSU, some of us wondered how we were going to pay our tuition.    

Luckily we received scholarships, grants and loans. Unfortunately, only two out of the three do not have to be repaid. With that said, we must keep up our end of the bargain by repaying the loans and completing the required questionnaires and exit interviews. 

If you received a Federal Family Education Loan (formerly the Stafford Loan) you must complete an online questionnaire at www.mappingyourfuture.org by May 7.  The entire counseling session should take about an hour. If you borrowed money from Federal Perkins or University Loans, you must complete an exit interview. The interviews will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 to May 6 in the Thompson Center 200.  Call Phronice Johnson at 336-750-2816 to schedule an appointment. 

 By May 5 you should have cleared your account with the Billings and Receivables department to make sure you do not have any outstanding debts with the University. 

Once you have your financial responsibilities taken care of you are almost there. Graduating means we are becoming alumni. Once we complete our final exams, we need to register with the WSSU Alumni Relations House.

If you are graduating with honors, pick up your honors cord 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 6 from in the Thompson Center 207 C. 

Once you have successfully completed all these requirements, you must attend commencement rehearsal noon to 4 p.m. May 7 at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  You should arrive there no later than 11:30 a.m. – with your cap and tassel.  Gowns are not necessary.

After rehearsal, there is nothing else to do except wait for your special day: May 8. Be at LJVM by 1 p.m.  

It seems like a lot, but just think about the accomplishments you have already achieved to reach this milestone.