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On May 20, 2017, The University of Olivet will proudly honor the Class of 2017 at the Commencement ceremony. The Class of 2017 will also celebrate their success at Baccalaureate and the senior class party on May 19. 
Your cap and gown is on the way and you’ve already turned in your signed portfolio, but are you still not quite sure about the transition coming up in your life? Here are 10 tips to prepare new college grads for Commencement and beyond.
- First off, know the schedule. Watch out for emails from Senior Class Advisers Carol Flanigan and Nikki Magie with important details telling you where you need to be and when. Your phone is a mobile calendar and walking alarm clock, utilize it so you don’t miss your cue to walk across that stage. Then, make sure your family also knows the schedule. You know your parents, grandparents and crazy aunt have been impatiently waiting years for this moment, so don’t forget to include them in your big day.
- So May 20 arrives, you’ve received your degree and are surrounded by family. Take pictures to commemorate this huge accomplishment. Your future self will thank you, and so will your loved ones who weren’t able to attend the celebration. Don’t forget to tag them with #OC2017 on social media!
- It’s time to face true adulthood, start planning for your next steps. Determine if entering the workforce or pursing further education is right for you. Where will you live – back at home or in your first real apartment? Make new goals and set out to achieve them.
- Determine how you will handle student loans, the harsh reality. Most of the time, repayment of loans begins six months after the completion of your degree. Don’t wait for that first bill to show up before you start budgeting. Look for free seminars to attend on strategies to loan repayment, there are even many held on OC’s campus. Check with your bank or credit union, too, for free workshops.
- Update your resume. No matter what your next step is, remember to update your resume with your official college transcripts. You should be very proud of your accomplishments and showing them off is the right thing to do.
- Network and share your updated contact information. Take advantage of your last few days on campus where you’re surrounded with familiar faces. Ask fellow students what their post-graduation plans are and see if you can share any helpful information with each other. Also, provide your connections with your personal email since your campus email will expire soon.
- Thank your professors. Let those around you know how they contributed to your success. They’ll feel great for being recognized and you’ll feel just as good telling someone how much you appreciate them.
- Soak up as much of it as you can. There really is so much to do in so little time, but don’t let that be the reason you let the memorable moments pass. While Baccalaureate might sound a little unusual, it serves as a blessing on the senior class. Why would you want to miss out on that? Afterward, the Senior Celebration is a fun time to enjoy being with your classmates for one of the last times, plus there will be cake!
- Put yourself out there. Graduating from college makes everyone feel a little uneasy. Remember, you’ve actually been preparing for this moment the past four years, so you’re ready. Embrace it by being yourself and using your college education to your advantage. With your OC degree and a little hard work, you’re going to go far!
- Keep your ties to The University of Olivet strong, no matter where you end up in this great big world. OC isn’t going anywhere – we’ll always be here for you! Stay connected to friends, faculty and staff and the Alumni Council. And, be sure to send us your news address, email and phone number!
Good luck to the Class of 2017 as they embark into their future as OC alumni. Go out into this world to Be More and Do Good. Review everything you need to know regarding Commencement, or contact Nicole Baker, assistant dean for academic records, at 269.749.7390 or nbaker@uolivet.edu for further questions.
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