The Pacer

Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Will York

Lesson One:

Graduation preparation

Kristin Wiseman

Graduation. Need anything else be said?
It is a time of stress but also a time of great excitement. It is just around the corner for most, 67 days to be exact. Many have not done anything to prepare, but hopefully this article will be helpful to those in need.

Commencement is set for Saturday May 12, 2007, and really it is easier to prepare for than many people think. Graduates should arrive at the Elam Center one hour prior to the beginning of Commencement. This is needed for instructions and final preparations. Also, all graduates need to attend Commencement practice on May 2 at 2 p.m. in the Elam Center.

Diplomas will be mailed to student's Banner Mailing Address after commencement. Allow 2 weeks for delivery of original diploma. If mailed within the United States, there is no charge for mailing the diploma, but if they are mailed outside of the U.S. it will require an $11 mailing fee.

Additional diplomas mailed within the U.S will require a $4 mailing fee.

There are a few other things that need to be completed by potential graduates before graduation, such as picking up your cap, gown and tassel. This can be done at either Bradley Bookstore or the UC Bookstore. These items are in stock at both locations and can be picked up any time during regular business hours. The cost of a cap, gown, and tassel at the UC Bookstore is $36.98.

Ordering invitations and class rings can be done through Balfour, on their website (www.balfourcollege.com) or by phone (1-877-BALFOUR). This is a really simple process and the company is very easy to work with. Charlie Gancio, territory manager of Balfour, suggests that ordering invitations should be done by the first of April and sent out at least two weeks before graduation. Gancio also stated that he is trying to convince the University to hold a Grad Fair. This would make the preparation for graduation a one-stop shop, allowing people to get everything done at one time and out of the way.

Graduates must apply for an intended date of graduation online and must apply for a diploma online, when notified via Banner Web. Students can also go to the Office of Academic Records in 103 Administration Building. It is important that potential graduates keep up with their CAPP report and continue to make sure everything is correct.

There are some tests and requirements that need to be taken before a Senior can graduate. The academic profile test is required, and there are two dates left to take it before graduation: March 28-29 twice each day at 4-5:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:00 p.m. Some majors require their students take an exit exam before graduating and others may require a portfolio. Because this varies by department, students with questions about requirements should ask their adviser.

For further information contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@utm.edu or by going to the Web site: www.utm.edu/departments/registrar/graduation.php.

Lesson Two:

Making 'cents' of budgets

Thomas Fulcher

If college has presented you with a lot more financial difficulties than you anticipated, welcome to the club of millions of other college students. But it's important to have a plan to help stay on track with spending. Making a budget now could save you a lot of worry later.

First off, financial advisers suggest evaluating where your money goes. Write down everything you spend your money on for a week. This means cash, credit and debit: Write down what it is and how much it cost. You may be surprised how quickly those quick little purchases can add up. Don't forget to figure in the larger expenditures such as rent, utilities, car insurance, gas and other expenses. You may not pay all those bills on a weekly basis, but you definitely need to allot funds for them so that when the first of the month rolls around you don't have to phone home because you drank away your rent money.

Now sit down and make a comparison chart between your sources of money (financial aid, job, scholarships, money from parents and other income sources) and what you spend your money on. On a weekly basis, if your expenses are more than what you have to spend, you have a problem. But it's better that you figure this out now than when you're neck-deep in credit-card debt.

Since you now know how much money you can spend each week and what you spend your money on, you need to plan out how much money you have to spend on given items. Be serious about this: If having enough money to pay the electric bill means that you need to do some trimming on unnecessary items, then make cuts and stick to them. As you are rationing out your planned expenses, think about incidentals that may crop up, like spring break.

If you're not going anywhere on vacation, wouldn't you like to next year? Rather than spending every dime as soon as the check hits your bank account (I am assuming you have one of those?) you should stash some back into a savings account so that you'll have a little extra cash when something big rolls around that you really want.

By creating and sticking to your budget you will not only save money, but you'll also save yourself the trouble of having to dig your way out of debt post-graduation.

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