Checklist

The following are important "to do items" for both graduate and undergraduate students. Please pay close attention to all deadlines listed.

1. Make sure you are eligible to graduate.
   
   Start out by making sure you meet graduation eligibility requirements.
   
2. Complete Your Graduation Application!
   
   Undergrad degree applications due: February 17
   
   Graduate degree applications due: March 31
   
   Submit degree application by February 17 to receive hardcopy of commencement brochure in the mail that will detail weekend activities. Submissions after February 17, will be emailed a copy to your UAlbany email account.
   
   Submit your degree application for May 2008 online using MyUAlbany (detailed instructions are available on MyUAlbany). To submit your degree application, select the "Apply for Graduation" link from the Records Services Menu at the left side of your MyUAlbany home page.
   
   If you do not submit your degree application by the deadline, we cannot guarantee that you will be cleared for graduation in May or that your name will be printed in the program. Only the names of the May 2008 degree candidates who apply by the deadlines listed will be included in the program.
   
3. Clear Any Financial Holds
   A diploma can not be issued unless all financial obligations are cleared. Also, outstanding disciplinary actions can prevent your graduation.
   
4. Stop by Grad Fest!
   This event will be held April 9, in the Campus Center lower lounge near Dreidels. For your convenience, this will be your one-stop shop for regalia, graduation announcements, photographs, diploma covers, class rings, career services and information about commencement weekend.
   
5. Purchase Regalia
   Proper academic regalia is required to participate in Commencement. The University Bookstore will sell souvenir bachelor’s and master’s regalia and will have high quality, custom regalia available for purchase or rental. Bachelor’s and master’s regalia can be purchased beginning April 9 at Grad Fest, or at the University Bookstore April 10 through May 17.

   Regalia Prices
   Please note that figures listed do not include tax.

   Bachelor’s & Master’s
   Purchase of a full set including cap, gown and hood: $65.98

   Doctoral
   Rental of gown, and hood: purchase of cap: $148.
   Note: this is high-quality UAlbany purple and gold regalia                                                                                                                                      Purchase by 3/21 or Rent by 5/2

6. Custom purchase:
   If you would like to purchase distinctive, custom UAlbany Doctoral regalia, contact the
   bookstore at: (518)442-5692 or visit the bookstore website.

7. Are You a Legacy Student?
   If your family has two or more generations of UAlbany alums (i.e. parents or grandparents and a current graduate) email Melissa Samuels at msamuels@uamail.albany.edu with the following information: your name, degree, local mailing address, local phone number, and email address. Also include your parents' or grandparents' names (maiden name too), their graduating year, their mailing address, phone number, and email address.
   
8. Become a Flag Bearer
   If you are interested in commemorating your academic achievements at graduation by carrying a flag, contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services via email at: isss@uamail.albany.edu. Please include your full name, student ID, degree to be earned, department/school or college issuing the degree, and your phone number. If you are an international student, and wish to carry your country's flag, please include the name of your home country.
   
9. Graduating with Honors?
   Students graduating with honors will receive a special honors medallion in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments. Honors medallions are provided compliments of the University at Albany. Recipients will receive a letter from the Dean of Undergraduate Education notifying them of their honor status. This letter must be taken to the University Bookstore, where it can be exchanged for the appropriate medallion. Honors for May degree candidates are computed using the cumulative grade-point average as of April 9, and a projection that the student will have earned 56 or more credits at UAlbany, of which a minimum of 40 credits are A-E graded. Official honors status will be recalculated when Spring 2008 grades are recorded and will appear on the diploma. If a graduate’s status has changed, he or she must contact the Dean of Undergraduate Education's Office for an updated letter with the correct academic standing. This letter in addition to the original medallion must be presented to the bookstore to exchange for a new one.
10. Check Your Mail and UAlbany Email Account Often
    If you file your degree application by the stated deadline, you will receive updates regarding commencement via snail mail and electronically, so be sure to continue to check your university email account. This website is also a comprehensive resource for all your planning needs. Only those who have filed degree applications will receive these updates. Please note that you DO NOT Need to RSVP for the University-wide graduate or undergraduate ceremonies; however you may need to confirm attendance for your individual school/department recognition ceremony or reception. For further information, please visit the Schedule of Events page, and look for the contact person/phone number for your individual ceremony.
    

11. Make Plans with Family, Friends & Guests
    Be sure to make plans with your expected guests to attend not only your university-wide ceremony, but also your individual school/department recognition ceremony and Torch Night. There are a variety of great activities planned throughout the weekend.

    Also, make sure your friends & family make their hotel reservations early as local accommodations tend to fill up quickly. View information on local hotels and restaurants.

12. Review Line Up Instructions
    Check out DETAILS on when and where to report for University-wide graduation ceremonies.

13. Donate to the Senior Gift. Contributions made will go towards the purchase of a new ambulance for Five Quad, a NYS certified ambulance agency which is run by students and serves the campus community.