With less than two weeks left before graduation, seniors have little time left before they head off into the real world. We took some time to ask random seniors about what they plan on doing as their last hurrah at Ball State University and what their plans are for after graduation.
- Take a picture with Charlie Cardinal
- Rub Frog Baby's nose for good luck before your finals
- Put gum on the gum tree
- Eat a hotdog from Carter's
- Kiss your significant other at midnight in front of Benny, to see if her wings flap (if they do, it means it's true love)
- Meet President Jo Ann Gora
- Climb to the top of Teacher's College to enjoy the view
- Take a walk in Christy Woods
- Play the electronic bells in the Shafer Tower
- Give Happy Friday Guy a high-five
- Go to Ivanhoe's Drive-in in Upland for ice cream
- Get a free hug at the scramble light
- Buy a "Ball U" T-shirt
- Go to Dill St. Bar & Grill
- Ride the Tipsy Trolly
Graduation — What you need to know:
Step 1:
Apply to Graduate
This step must be done to ensure that you graduate on time and that you have everything done in order to graduate and receive your diploma. You can go to www.bsu.edu/webapps/graduation or find it on the student services Web site. Make sure you verify your home address, as in your parents' or permanent address, so that all graduation materials can be sent there. You must also verify the specific spelling of your name for your diploma and if you want to include your middle name or middle initial.
Step 2: Ceremony
Participation Form
If you are eligible for graduation, you must fill out the ceremony participation form. If you have any questions, visit the commencement office in Lucina Hall, call 765-285-1689, or e-mail commencement@bsu.edu.
Step 3:
Buy a cap & gown
These can be purchased from the Ball State Bookstore in the Atrium and must be worn if walking during commencement. Shawger said that you can walk into the bookstore and purchase one without ordering in advance. Not interested in the ceremony? Shawger said that you can graduate without participating in the graduation ceremony.
What can hold you back:
Not checking your DAPR (Degree Analysis Progress Report)
Your DAPR should have every class you have taken on it as well as advanced credits received or transferred credits received. If something does not look right, contact the faculty advisor for your major. Students must notify the advising coordinator, not your faculty advisor, if transfer credit has not been received. Most bachelor's degrees require at least 126 credit hours to graduate.
Not taking or passing the Writing Competency Exam
Most graduation-hopefuls have taken the test, but for those of you who have not, you must pass it in order to graduate. Before taking the exam, English 103 and 104 must have been passed as well. Registration for the May exam starts April 26th and continues until May 13th. If you were unsuccessful at passing the exam the in two chances offered you must take ENG 393 to replace that requirement.
Unfinished internships / student teaching requirements
Some majors require an internship before being able to graduate and education majors must have student teaching completed. If this was not done, you may be at Ball State a little longer. Talk to your internship coordinator or advisor for more information.
Unpaid Fines
Those late book fees, parking tickets and more must be paid in order to receive your diploma or get a final transcript. Shawger said you are still able to walk in the ceremony, but will not receive your diploma in the mail if you have outstanding fines with the university. To find out if you do, stop by the Bursar's office in the basement of Lucina Hall, call 765-285-1643, or e-mail bursar@bsu.edu.
Advising Centers for Upperclass Students
Carma Shawger: AC 414, 765-285-8686
Jean Dinwiddie: CP 253, 765-285-5513
Barbara Branon: NQ 320, 765-285-1167
Karen Spangler (athletes-all majors): NQ 320, 765-285-1184
Kathryn McCartney: RB 116, 765-285-5515
Kris Rugsaken: TC 913, 765-285-1848
Pat Mundy: WB 147, 765-285-1188
Your academic coordinator depends on your major. For more information, go to bsu.edu/advising.
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