Grad Finale set for Fall 2011 graduates

Students scheduled to graduate in Dec. 16 from Austin Peay State University will have an opportunity to participate in Grad Finale, an event designed to make sure all preparations have been made for spring commencement.

Grad Finale will be from 2–6 p.m., Oct. 10 and from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Oct. 11. Both days will be held in the Morgan University Center Ballroom. Students need to remember to bring a form of picture identification to this event. The following offices will provide information at Grad Finale:

• Office of the Registrar will answer questions regarding completion of degree requirements, honors, diplomas and transcripts. During this event, the Office of the Registrar will confirm your eligibility for graduation or remind you of what is still outstanding. 
• The Office of the Bursar will be available to answer questions you may have related to account balances. You will need to pay your graduation fee in the Browning Building at the cashier’s window any time before the Grad Finale event: $25 for associate degrees, $30 for bachelor’s and $35 for master’s. Students are reminded to keep their receipts and bring it with them to pick up their cap and gown from the Bookstore booth in the Ballroom.
• The Campus Bookstore will have caps and gowns available for pickup when the student presents his or her Bursar’s Office receipt for the graduation fee. In addition, honors cords and master’s candidate hoods will be for sale. Cords are $12.99, except summa cum laude cords, which are $19.99. Master’s candidate hoods are $30 each. Cash, check and credit/debit cards will be accepted. Jostens will have all commencement items for purchase including announcements and invitations. Students may place an order for a class ring at Grad Finale. 
• Senior Exit Exam registration will be available. The Senior Exit Exam is a requirement for all first-time bachelor’s degree recipients. 
• The Career Services Office will answer questions about job search assistance, transitioning from academics into the workforce, résumé writing and mock interview opportunities. 
• The College of Graduate Studies will provide an opportunity for future students to explore the many graduate degree programs APSU offers and to learn the logistics of applying for graduate school. Students may apply for graduate admission during this event.
• The Offices of Student Affairs and Student Life and Leadership will be handing out graduation gift bags at Grad Finale instead of at the actual commencement ceremonies on Dec. 16.
• Student Publications will be shooting photos of graduates for both the yearbook and the video screens at graduation. 
• The Office of Student Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs will answer questions regarding financial concerns such as loan repayment, etc.
• The National Alumni Association will welcome you as an APSU alumnus and offer information about staying in touch.  
• The African American Cultural Center will be present to provide information about the African American Graduate Recognition Ceremony.
• The Office of Enrollment Management and Academic Support will answer questions about commencement scheduled for Friday, Dec. 16 in the Dunn Center. 

In addition, a door prize will be given away, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information about Grad Finale, contact the Office of Enrollment Management and Academic Support by telephone at 931-221-6540. -- Melony Shemberger