It probably seems like just yesterday that you moved into your campus residence hall in preparation for that first year as a VOL.
Over the past four years, you have grown into a confident, capable senior who’s got one goal on your mind: graduation. Prior to walking across the stage, there are certain steps you need to take to prepare for the big day. Many of these steps should start long before your final semester at UT.
Things that already should be done:
Apply for graduation.
Check to ensure this requirement has been met. If you think you might have not yet applied for graduation, do so immediately at myutk.utk.edu.
Confirm your correct name and mailing address.
Your diploma will reflect your name as specified with the university. Also, UT will mail your diploma to your permanent address. You can confirm your address in MyUTK.
Things you need to do this semester:
Run a final DARS report.
A DARS report outlines your curriculum and shows which components you have completed. It also serves as a final alert in case any requirements aren’t yet met. Usually you should try to view your DARS report before your last semester, but if you have not yet done so, take a moment to look over yours as soon as possible.
RSVP for Commencement.
All graduating students must RSVP for Commencement to receive a ticket and gain admittance. Pay attention to announcements from your college dean’s office with information about commencement.
Schedule one last meeting with an advisor.
It is a good idea to meet with your advisor one last time before graduation. Talking with an advisor is a critical part of your last semester. Remember to bring a copy of your DARS report to the meeting.
Pay a visit to Career Services.
Graduation signals the end of college and the beginning of a new chapter for you. There are many resources at UT that can assist you after graduation. Career Services offers resume workshops and mock interviews to help you prepare for this next step in your life.
Get supplies if attending the commencement ceremony
The VolShop has a wide range of graduation supplies you can pre-order, including cap, gown, invitations, and diploma frames.
Also, the VolShop hosts a Grad Finale event each semester, where you can take advantage of discounts on graduation supplies and get an early graduation picture taken. The event will be held February 18 through 20 for May graduates.
Spring 2014 Commencement Ceremony and Celebrations Details
Wednesday, May 7
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
8:30 a.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
College of Engineering
1:00 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
College of Communication and Information
4:30 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
Thursday, May 8
College of Social Work
8:30 a.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
Audiology and Speech Pathology
11:00 a.m., Alumni Memorial Building, Cox Auditorium
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
1:00 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
Graduate Hooding
4:30 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
Friday, May 9
College of Arts and Sciences
9:00 a.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
College of Business Administration
2:00 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
College of Law
5:00 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
Saturday, May 10
College of Nursing
9:00 a.m., Thompson-Boling Arena
College of Veterinary Medicine
10:00 a.m., Alumni Memorial Building Cox Auditorium
College of Architecture and Design Hooding Ceremony
1:00 p.m., Thompson-Boling Arena