So, you are completing your degree in December...

Are you completing your degree at the end of the semester? If you are then here is what you need to do now!

1.) Perform a program check and make sure that you are actually going to graduate! You can do this on your own or you can meet with an Academic Advisor. You will need to contact the advising office for your faculty to arrange an appointment for a program check.

To perform the check yourself you will need a program planning guide and a copy of your transcript. You can pick up program planning guides from the Arts and Science Advising Office (SU060) or you can get one online at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ppgs/index.html. You can get a copy of your transcript from the Registrars Office (SU 140) or you can access it through your U of L Bridge account. To do so simply log into your account, click the link for the Registrars Office and Student Services, then Student Records, then Working Copy Transcript.

2.) Apply to Graduate. That’s right, you have to apply to graduate! In order to attend convocation in the spring you must complete an Application for Graduation. These can be picked up at the Registrars Office (SU140) and at the Arts & Science Student Advising Office (SU060). If you are completing your degree at the end of this semester your convocation will be in spring. However, if you would like your transcript to indicate that you have graduated in January you must submit your application by November 1, 2006. If you do not submit your application in November you must do so by the final deadline, which is March 1, 2007 to graduate in the spring.

3.) Get a Job? This is it… you are about to graduate and will soon have to face the ‘real world’ – time to get a haircut and get a real job! If you don’t know where to begin your job search check out the Career and Employment Services Office (B625) which will continue to assist you with your job search for up to two years after you graduate! If you have any job related questions you are encouraged to phone Career and Employment Services at 403-329-2187, or check out there website at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/index.html.

4.) Grad Studies? If you are interested in furthering your education then grad studies might be for you. There are plenty of opportunities for graduate studies here on campus and you can find out more about these by visiting the U of L School of Graduate Studies website, http://www.uleth.ca/sgs/. If you know you would like to perform your grad studies with a specific professor begin discussing possible research opportunities and building your relationship with him/her now.

5.) Travel? There are plenty of ways to travel but if you would like a job while doing it perhaps teaching English overseas is a good fit. There are plenty of organizations that can help you with this and you can find out more by searching the Internet.

6.) Do nothing and move back in with your parents. If you have absolutely no ambition or motivation I would recommend moving back in with your parents, where you can spend your time playing video games, watching t.v., and eating your parents food, all from the comfort of a couch. If you are like me you never left your parents house, and this will make the transition from student to loafer very easy.

Questions? Comments? Please feel free to leave a comment on our blog or email us at prc@uleth.ca