What's up Seniors?! By now, you hopefully either have handed in your graduation packet or will be doing so by January 24th. Everyone has dreams of walking across the stage and finally ending their four or five year stint as a college student. However, there are some things you need to do before that dream can become a reality. Students who will be leaving in December may need to get on this ASAP! For all of you who will be done in May or August, you have a few months to get everything straightened out, but don't get too laxed. You know what they say, there's no time like the present. The earlier you take care of business, the better off you will be.
If you haven't already done so, you should think about doing the following:


1. Co-Curricular Transcript- Everyone should have one by now. But in case you've missed the memo, all of the programs, workshops, and clubs you participated in over the years are added to your co-curricular transcript. This document shows all of your accomplishments while you attended Kean. It is important to get an updated copy of your Co-Curricular Transcript, because it shows prospective graduate schools and employers you are a well-rounded individual. Your G.P.A may be a 4.0, but you also want to show you have leadership experience with an official document showing all of the things you participated in as an undergraduate. To view your co-curricular transcript or create one, stop by The Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, in UC 219.

2. Course Guide Sheet- Make sure you have completed all of your required classes. You don't need any surprises when you realize you are one elective short or a credit shy to graduate! Since you are required to go over your guide sheet with your Academic Advisor anyway, make sure you double check that you have taken all the right courses.

3. Career Services Department- This office can help you update your resume. By now, you should have acquired massive amounts of experience both professionally and academically. As you try and break into your future career, you want to have a professional and concise resume. Remember employers care more about the jobs and skills related to the job, than random things, so you may have to take some things that have no relevance off your resume.

4. Outstanding Debts- Make sure all fines or charges from Kean are paid off! Failure to do so could result in a delay in you receiving your formal diploma, after graduation. So if you still owe Residence Life $5.55 for building fines, pay up, because any and all money that is owed will result in a hold on your account, whether you are a student or a graduate.

5. Financial Aid- There are many students attending college, because they were able to receive financial aid. With this said, students who have a Direct Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan are required to complete a exit interview, via the internet. If you fail to complete this study, you will not have access to your official transcripts. It's a short interview and must be completed after the loan dispersement period is over.

6. Seek Employment- This is the most important. Look for a job! Ok, so you might not get your dream job straight out of college, but you should always be on your hustle trying to find the next best thing. Don't let all of your years of hard work go to waste! During these crucial months before graduation research the kind of jobs out there for someone in your field. You don't want to wait until graduation and be stuck without a back up plan. Also, give some thought to going to graduate school, because it is important to decide if you want to go straight from undergraduate school or if you plan to wait a few years.

You may have your own goals for graduation, but these things should definitely be considered before strutting across stage in your cap and gown. Finishing college is a major acheivement. The best way to maximize your greatest accomplishment is by ensuring you are prepared!