Graduation often tricky for seniors

Graduation may seem like a relief for some students, but for those with unfulfilled… Graduation may seem like a relief for some students, but for those with unfulfilled requirements, it can be a time of great anxiety.

Many students need an extra semester or more to complete their college education. However, Susan Crain estimates that more than half of Pitt students graduate in four years. In order to graduate on time, students have to pay close attention to requirements.

Crain, director of student records in the School of Arts and Sciences, recommends mapping out general education and major requirements to avoid taking too many of either the last semester of senior year. She also advises to get the hardest classes, or those most dreaded by the student, over with very early in her college career.

“You should never leave too much to be done at the end,” she said.

To stay on track, students can print out their undergraduate advisement transcripts through Student Services on my.pitt.edu.

“Students can really help themselves with the new PeopleSoft system,” she said. “Of course, even with online transcripts, advising appointments are essential.”

There are common mistakes that prevent a four-year graduation. One of the most common problems for students is failing to follow deadline dates and applying for graduation too late. Students can apply for three separate graduation sessions: one in April, August and December. Many students don’t realize they have to apply a term prior to the expected graduation.

Confusion over requirement fulfillment can also delay a student’s graduation. Students retaking a course may fail to realize that they only receive the credits once, or students may receive an incomplete grade in their final term and fail to realize this holds up the graduation process.

If a student unexpectedly fails a course during her last term, she still gets to cross the stage in cap and gown, making up the credits the next term.

“Graduation is before grades come in, so if you applied, you can walk,” Crain said.

With credits and class requirements properly aligned, students will probably begin to job hunt.

Jennifer Cwiklinski, a career counselor at Career Services, insists the key is to start early. The best time to job hunt is in August or September of senior year, and students should have a reliable resume just in case.

A good, solid resume that shows a lot of experience is crucial. Students should also have excellent communication skills and should take an internship.

However, Cwiklinski knows that many students are not serious about post-graduation until senior year. Popular perception suggests that a person cannot get a good-paying, interesting, stable job until years after graduation. Cwiklinski tried to dispel this idea by saying that if a student is active as an undergraduate, “there is no reason he or she shouldn’t get a good job.”