Countdown to Commencement

• Home
• Prepare for Life
• Prepare for Commencement
• Celebrate UB
• Deadlines
• Graduation Checklist
• Graduation Reminders
• Caps, Gowns & More
• Graduation Schedules
• Travel/Directions
• Share Your Photos
• Staying Connected
• Senior Exit Survey
• Parents & Visitors
• Guests with Disabilities
• Videos

Prepare for Graduation

What do I do first?
Use this checklist to keep your personal "Countdown to Commencement" on target. Remember - you can't graduate until you submit your Application for Degree. Be sure to check MyUB for important reminders, too.

1. Apply for Degree - a MUST DO:

• Go to your HUB Student Center and apply for your degree on line if you are a currently enrolled student before the deadline date.
• If you are no longer enrolled at UB, but are still planning to graduate, you must submit an "Application for Degree" before the deadline. The application can be submitted one semester before your last semester at UB, but no later than these dates.

Submit your Application for Degree by:

Applications submitted after the deadline will be posted for the next filing date.

• Once your application has been received, your degree status can be found in your Student Center in the HUB and HUB Academic Advisement Report . You CANNOT graduate without submitting this application!

2. Learn about participating in your commencement ceremony

Using the Schedule link, find your ceremony, listed by school. Date, time, location and ceremony contact person are given. By early February 2012, an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) link will be listed under each ceremony. Click on the FAQ link for your ceremony to learn whether or not you must pre-register to participate in your ceremony, whether tickets are required for your guests, etc.

3. Check that you've met all graduation requirements

• Review your degree status on HUB Academic Advisement Report on MyUB. If you believe there is an error, contact your advisor immediately.
• Check with your advisor to make sure you're on track to graduate.
• Be sure UB has official final transcripts on file from any other college or university you may have attended.
• All final grades must be in by the conferral dates. Make sure Study Abroad, independent study and internship grades have been submitted.
• Update your name and address to ensure that your diploma is properly prepared and sent to the correct location.

4. Settle your accounts

• Pay your outstanding bills. Transcripts and diplomas can only be sent out for students with no financial obligations.

5. Carry out your job search or graduate/professional school plan

• Check out Career Services for more information.
• Meet with a career counselor as soon as possible to discuss post-graduate plans.
• Take StrengthsQuest self assessment to develop your talking points for grad school or job interviews.
• Take graduate or professional school entrance exams early in the year.
• Seek out unadvertised jobs by networking with professionals in your field.
• Attend Career Services workshops on resumes, cover letters and interviewing. www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/calendar.php
• Use BullsEye at www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu to look for jobs, internships and mentors.
• Take advantage of On-Campus Interviewing.
• Attend Employer Group Information Sessions.
• Conduct a practice interview with a career counselor.
• Attend various job and graduate/professional school fairs, both on- and off-campus. www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/calendar.php
• Choose faculty, administrators, and employers to write letters of recommendation.

6. Experience Countdown to Commencement

• Prepare for life after graduation and Celebrate UB with this semester-long series of events.

7. Get to know your UB Alumni Association(UBAA)

• Start by becoming a friend, fan and follower of UBAA on social networks. Network on LinkedIn , Facebook , follow us on Twitter and watch our YouTube videos.
• Visit UBAA online and find out more about the many ways to stay connected to your friends and your alma mater. While there, check out the FAQ page, register on UB Connect , the exclusive online UB alumni community and search the alumni directory.
• Join UBAA today and take advantage of all of the member benefits and discounts at the special new grad rate.
• Get involved with your Alumni Association. Volunteer, give of your time, participate in career-focused events and come back to play Oozefest!

8. Get ready for Commencement

• Invite your family and friends! Make hotel and restaurant arrangements early.
• Ceremonies are held in May. For on-line registration, cap, and gown orders, and other information - visit Countdown to Commencement Ceremony website
• Register for your ceremony: SOME ceremonies require that you register for your ceremony if you plan to attend. This will be explained in the FAQ link which will appear by early February 2012, under your ceremony listing in the ceremony schedule. (Please note: this is separate and different from submitting application for degree. Application for degree pertains to your diploma/conferral of degree).
• This will be explained in the FAQ link which will appear by early February 2012, under your ceremony listing.

9. Tell us about your UB experience

• Graduating Students, tell us about your UB experience. We’re listening! Please complete the Senior Exit Survey.

10. Sign up for the senior listserv

• Sign-up for the Commencement listserv and receive periodic reminders and information on – getting ready for commencement, preparing for life after UB, and upcoming celebrations.

11. Graduating? Last chance to get computer products at low student prices from UBMicro IT Support Services .

12. Don't forget to make your 2012 Senior Class gift .