Look Out, Graduation is Right Around the Corner

Danielle DeVries || Asst. Feature Editor
Seniors: What to expect and look out for before graduation

It’s that time again, the last hoorah, the final countdown, the grand finale – no matter what you choose to call it, graduation time is upon us.

For many, this time is bittersweet, the culmination of four or more years of hard work, but also a metaphorical fork in the road, forcing graduating seniors out of the protected world of undergraduate academia and into the rest of their lives.

As the big day draws ever closer it’s important to keep some key dates in mind, as well as get the most out of the college experience while there’s still a chance.

Starting May 2, graduation tickets can be picked up from the Jenny Craig Pavilion Ticket Office during normal business hours. All tickets must be picked up by 4 p.m. on the Friday prior to graduation. Remember, if more than the seven allotted tickets for graduation are needed, ask around to friends and other members of the 2016 graduation class, since additional tickets are not available for purchase.

May 5 marks Gradfest II, held in the Degheri Alumni Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This will be the last opportunity for graduating seniors to order their cap and gown, take a graduation portrait, get announcements, pick out a class ring, nab a USD stole, and buy a diploma frame or a lei for the big day. Graduation tickets can also be picked up during Gradfest II.

May 9 is the last day of classes and finals go from May 12 through May 18. Although it can be tempting to slack off with graduation so close, remember graduation is contingent on passing classes, so don’t relax too much, and finish on a strong note.

The baccalaureate mass will be held on May 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Jenny Craig Pavilion. The mass is held for graduating seniors and their guests and all are welcome to attend.

Undergraduate commencement takes place on Sunday May 22. The ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the ceremony for the School of Business Administration and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place in the Jenny Craig Pavilion and will be followed by a light reception in front of the Hahn University Center.

Graduates and their guests are invited to attend the reception, and come and go as they please. Graduates and guests should arrive an hour before each ceremony begins.

Although graduation season can be very stressful, don’t forget to enjoy the last few weeks of college. Make sure to check all those last minute items off your San Diego bucket list and to take advantage of all the wonderful events and guest speakers the university has to offer while you still can. Most of all, remember to stop and take it all in, and to celebrate this wonderful accomplishment.

What’s up for soon-to-be graduating seniors?

Senior Claire Reid: “After graduating I will be in London, attending a one year masters program in art business through the Sotheby’s Institute. Given its hands-on learning approach, we will be applying our intensive studies of the international art market toward various internships and active participation with the auction house. Although I didn’t want to commit to four years of graduate school, I wanted to continue my learning and find a way to travel over this next year, and I found it!”

Senior Lexie Brachvogel: “I got a full-time job at Profits 4 Purpose based in Miramar where my role will be developing the marketing and communication strategy for the company. Immediately after graduation I’ll be heading off to Spain for six weeks to do the Camino de Santiago with my little brother!”

Senior Nikki Koehler: “I am going to be interning in Dublin, Ireland this summer and hoping to get a job there or in the UK right after! Super excited!”

Senior Ryan Gorman: “I was looking forward to securing full-time employment in San Diego before I graduate, but my main lead/opportunity fell through. Because of that experience I realized my true desire for after college: Take a few months to move back home and spend valuable time with my family, coach my little cousins, go to their birthday parties, and take time to relax and travel, before I never live [with] and see my family consistently, like that, again. I also realized this has been my desire the whole time. I think my tendency to compete with my friends (those who have jobs set up) muddled my actual wants. I think once again it’s proven that everything happens for a reason.”