According to Counseling Center representative, Vikki Chaviers, the Imagine Graduation Fair is perfect for students who wish to visit with an experienced staff about certain graduation issues in a comfortable and confidential environment.

“We understand it’s a very happy, yet stressful time for graduates,” Chaviers said.  “We are here to show graduating seniors what to expect in the real world.  Most importantly, we want students to know that we will be here for you until the day you walk across the stage.”

There are 721 students that have applied for December graduation. 592 of those are undergraduates and 129 graduate students, according to Cathy Ficzner, administrative assistant in the Office of the Registrar.

Vendors at the fair yesterday and today offer graduating seniors  assistance in various departments such as ordering caps and gowns through the MSU Bookstore, checking your graduation status, and clearing holds to graduate.

Officials at the fair will help students fine-tune their resumes and give important job-seeking advice for when students decide to venture out into the workforce.

Some students might not realize that something as simple as having a fine from the library will prevent them from graduating.

The library has a booth set up specifically to tend to those issues. Students who don’t have time to take care of fines at the booth can clear any library holds later.

Officials from the Financial Aid Office will offer exit counseling sessions. Financial Aid will print out a report of a student’s final amount of student loans and fees.

Students who wish to continue their academic career after graduation will be able to pick up information about the graduate program application process.  Students can also pick up information about respective graduate programs and find out when application deadlines are due.

Cap and Gown

Christina Caston, assistant manager of the Bookstore, has a table set up where students can order their caps and gowns.

While faculty may rent their graduation day items through the Bookstore, sponsored by Herff Jones, students still must purchase their items.

“One of the featured items we want students to be aware of are the ‘thank you’ stoles,” Caston said.  “For $30,  you can purchase a stole that helps recognize a special mentor or family member that encouraged you along the way.”

According to the legend of the “thank you” stole, traditionally, the student wears the stole as he or she walks across the stage, and after the ceremony, gives it to the selected mentor or family member, sometimes with written words of appreciation in permanent marker on the back.

“It’s important that students recognize those professors and mentors who went above and beyond to further a student’s academic career,” said Caston.

The bookstore officials are also offering package deals with everything for graduation.

The bachelor’s packet costs $41.50 and includes a cap, gown and tassel.

Masters’ graduate bundles include the same items as the bachelors’ packets and start at $44.50, but the more expensive package ($76.10) includes the masters’ hood.

The bookstore also keeps Alpha Chi cords in stock.

Announcements

Herff Jones representatives offers assistance with sending out graduation announcements.  Packages start at $88.94 and peak at $190.86.  Students may also purchase individual items such as address labels, envelope seals and tissue inserts starting at $9.98.

Class rings

Balfour, students class rings provider, has a table where students can pick up information about styles, sizes and prices.

Alumni Association

The Alumni Association invites past graduates to take part in a free one-year membership. The membership includes discounts to local sporting events, continued library access and a special rate to use the Wellness Center at $270 per year.

Students who need assistance with fine-tuning their resumes or gathering information on how to update their outdated job information can get assistance from the Career Management Center.

However,  Elene Paryag, Career Management Representative, said in her experience, students are showing up to the fair impressively prepared for life in the workforce.  In fact, she said, no one is waiting until the last minute to take care of preparations after graduation.

“Professors are more actively engaged with their students’ success,” Paryag said, “and most of them are taking their own initiative to better prepare themselves for the workforce.  It’s an extremely competitive world out there, and I think most students are becoming more aware of this.”