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How to go into your graduation semester feeling confident and excited for the things ahead of you.
Graduation is a milestone that many University of Tennessee students anticipate during their college journey. This marks the moment when students are ready to embrace the world with all they have learned and live without limits. While graduation can be exciting, graduation can also be a stressful time as you make sure everything goes according to plan and unfolds the way that you intend.
When preparing for graduation, there should be a few things on your checklist that should take priority in your final semester.
1. Purchasing your cap and gown in your proper size.
They have a sizing chart on the website so you won’t be led astray. To go about purchasing this, you can either go straight to the Vol Shop website and put in your order to make sure you can get it before your pictures and before you walk the stage.
But the VolShop is not your only option to get all your grad gear, the university also holds a grad fair each spring and fall. At these events, you can purchase discounted regalia, rings, and graduation invitations. All caps and gowns are 10% off, and you can also get $100 off any class rings. Make sure to keep and eye out for these great savings during graduation season.
Along with your graduation regalia, you want to check in with all clubs and organizations to make sure that you are receiving all cords and stoles for your time as an active participant. One cord that many students receive for graduation is the orange and white Big Orange Give cord. Students can donate ten dollars or more to a location, building or program of their choosing as a way to make sure future students also get the joy of what the alumni did.
2. Confirming your graduation dates
Making sure you know what time you need to be at Thompson-Boling Arena is crucial. Spring graduations are estimated to last around two and a half hours to three hours. While fall graduations are done in one ceremony and the time varies depending on the amount of students. Currently, there is no required ticket entry to attend graduation. If the people most special in your life can not make it to Knoxville, each ceremony will also be live-streamed through the university's website. Remember that since graduation is in Thompson-Boling Arena, the clear bag policy will still be enacted.
Clear bags can be found in a lot of different places. For cheap and affordable options most people resort to Amazon where they have many cute styles that fit whatever you are looking for. Yet if you are looking for something that is a little more highend sites like Kate Spade, Revolve and Lululemon may have higher quality and longer lasting products.
3. Picking out the perfect outfit
Your graduation attire should be whatever you feel comfortable in and your best. For most students, it is pretty standard from what I have seen, many students wear white dresses or white button-down shirts and khaki pants. Personally, what I find the most fun is finding a special pair of shoes for the occasion. Since your gown covers your outfit, finding a unique pair of shoes to make you stand out can be a way to add your touch to the day.
Speaking of adding your flair, many students opt to decorate their caps to show their individuality, success or to help those close to them spot them in the crowd. Many students add quotes that got them through their time here, emblems that show their plans or a full-out bedazzled Power T. While this is not required, many students use it as another way to show their individuality.
4. Finding a photographer
Many students also choose to take graduation photos to commemorate this milestone in their lives. Many students find their photographer by asking friends and family, and Facebook and Instagram can be super helpful to find a photographer that fits your style. When booking, it is smart to book earlier around two or three months before your desired date to make sure you have your photographer locked down on a day that works for you. This is also a good reminder to make sure you have your cap and gown for those pictures! Another useful tip is to take your photos later in the day, between four and seven, to ensure the light is warm and bright.
5. Receiving your diploma
When walking across the stage, you do not receive your actual diploma. You should expect your diploma to be sent out six to eight weeks after graduation. When you apply to graduate, the diploma will be sent to the address that you entered on that form. When filling out graduation application make sure the address that you put down is somewhere that is a permanent address to ensure that you receive your diploma.
Graduating from college, in particular the University of Tennessee, is a very monumental event that symbolizes years of hard work and dedication to your studies. While there is a lot of excitement that surrounds graduation, careful planning and attention to detail will help to ensure a smooth graduation that you remember for years to come. Every student should embrace the excitement of the new chapter ahead of them, stay on top of these tasks, and enjoy the unforgettable moment that comes with this significant milestone in their academic career.
