Graduating Tigers
FAQ'S

1. When do I have to apply for Graduation?

Graduating seniors have to complete the Application for Graduation within the first 4 weeks of the semester in which they intend to graduate.  Applications are obtained in the Office of the Registrar in Bacoats Hall.

2. How much are Senior Fees and what do they cover?

Senior Fees are $200.00 for each graduating senior.  It covers the following items:
Regalia (Cap, Gown, Tassel, Hood)
Diploma, Diploma Cover, Miniature Diploma, Seals
Honor Cords
Class Kente Cloth
Class Photo, Gifts
And all Senior Activities including Graduation programs, Banquets, etc.       

3. When do I have to pay my Senior Fees?

Senior Fees must be paid by mid-term of the semester that you intend to graduate.  Fees are paid at the Cashier's window in the Business Office at Pratt Hall.  If you are expecting a refund of $200.00 or more the fees will be automatically deducted from your refund.

4. When do I order my cap and gown?

After you have submitted your application for graduation you should go and place your Regalia Order in the Campus Bookstore.  Make sure to write the exact degree you will be receiving.   Remember that you cannot pick up your Regalia until you have paid your Senior Fees.

5. What happens if I apply for graduation but can't graduate until the next semester?

If for some reason you become ineligible to graduate you MUST reapply for graduation the next semester in which you are eligible to graduate.  A $100.00 re-application fee will be assessed to reapply for graduation.

6. What if I am graduating but don't want to march?

If you are unable or choose not to participate in your Commencement Convocation you must write or email the Office of Academic Affairs no later than the week prior to graduation to be excused from the ceremony.

7. How do I apply for the Outstanding Senior Award?

The application form and criteria for the Outstanding Senior Award can be printed from here (PDF).   The Outstanding Senior Award is presented twice a year at both the Mid-Year and Spring Commencement Ceremonies.  The selection process requires seniors to submit a portfolio so plan ahead work with your advisor in preparing your submission.

8. Do I have to come to the Senior Class meetings?

The Senior Class meetings are held to share valuable information regarding graduation requirements, senior tasks, senior clearance, etc.  They are also planning sessions for your senior year activities and your life after graduation.  Simply put, they keep you on top of things and make your senior year easier.

9. How do I become a Senior Class Officer?

Senior Class Officers are elected at the beginning of the Fall Semester at the second Senior Class Meeting.  Class members nominate candidates for each position.  Candidates for the office of Senior Class President are given an opportunity to address the class and articulate their vision for leadership.  A vote is then taken by the Class determining who is selected for each position.  Remember that all Senior Class Officers should be proven leaders who are willing to work hard to make your senior year the best it can be.

10. What is a Senior Audit and where do I get one done?

Senior Audits should be completed at the beginning of your senior year.  The Audit is a review of your program of study with your Advisor or Department Chair to ensure that you have (or will have) completed all your academic requirements for graduation.

11. What is the Senior Packet and do I have to fill one out?

The Senior Packet is the necessary final step required from Career Services.  The information requested ensures that seniors are capable of completing a Resume, Cover Letter, Thank You Letter, and have obtained appropriate References.  The documents are required for both December and May graduates and are due from ALL seniors by October of their final year.
The Senior Packet contains the Benedict College Resume Format, Cover Letter Format, Thank you Letter Format and a Sample of the resume, cover letter and thank you letter.  Also, there is a Career Services questionnaire attached along with two reference forms.

12. How do I know if my name is on the list to graduate?

Contrary to rumor, there is no "LIST" circulated that confirms you are cleared to graduate.  There is a "working" list of seniors who have applied for graduation.  Final clearance for graduation comes from the Office of the Registrar and usually changes daily as they work out problems with students.  If you attend the senior meetings and accomplish all your Senior requirements you should rest assured that you will graduate.  You will only run into trouble if you have not double-checked all your requirements.

13. What is Senior Week?

"Senior Week" is a weeklong celebration of your graduation.  It begins on the Saturday prior to graduation and ends at your Commencement Convocation.  During the week Seniors complete necessary requirements, get ready for family, and PARTY!  The festivities include a Lawn Party/Cookout, Baccalaureate Service, Capstone Ceremony, the Senior Class Banquet/Dance, and a few graduation rehearsals thrown in.

14. What is the Baccalaureate Service?

The Baccalaureate Service is an academic and religious ceremony dating back to 1400 England.  Since universities at that time primarily trained ministers and teachers, the Baccalaureate Service provided the opportunity for graduates to give their first sermon (usually in Latin).  Over the centuries it has remained as a time honored academic tradition.  Benedict College also began as a training ground for "preachers and teachers."  Couple that with the college's close relationship with the church community and the strong religious beliefs of its faculty and students, the College continues to begin the graduation celebration with the Baccalaureate Service.  It has also become a time for graduates to show their appreciation to family, faculty and staff, and the institution.

15. When do I get my degree?

You will receive your actual degree on stage at the Commencement Convocation.  However, degrees will be held for those students who have not completed their financial obligations to the college by graduation.

16. What is the Financial Aid Exit Counseling and do I have to do it?

All students that are graduating and have had any loan during their matriculation must complete the exit counseling session.  This is mandated from the Federal Government from all loan holders. It educates graduating seniors on the importance of paying back their loans and the consequences that may be encountered if they do not pay them back.  Exit counseling may be found on the college's website and all graduating seniors must complete this session prior to graduating. If not completed, the government may take back all loans that have been awarded to you.

17. What is the Senior Exit Survey?

The Senior Exit Survey is used to determine the student's level of satisfaction with Benedict College and to find out his/her postgraduate plans.  It is administered by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and is used to help the college deliver better service to its students.  Your comments are very important, so please be thorough when completing the survey.

18. What do I have to do to be "cleared" for graduation?

In order to be "cleared" for graduation each graduate must ensure that they have accomplished the following:

1. Successfully completed all academic requirements.
2. Completed and documented all Service Learning requirements.
3. Completed all financial requirements including the Financial Aid Exit Counseling (if applicable).
4. Completed the Senior Packet and Senior Exit Survey.
5. Completed final clearance with their respective Departments, Schools, the Library, Post Office, and Housing where applicable.
6. Will people be pulled out of line on graduation day?

The only persons that may (on very rare occasions) be pulled out of the graduation line-up are those who have already been informed that they do not meet the requirements to graduate but insist on showing up anyway.  If you have taken care of your requirements you should know by graduation day that you are okay.

19. When do I get my Honor Cords and graduation regalia?

All honor cords and kente cloths are given out at the final graduation rehearsal.  Seniors must be present at the rehearsal and may only pick up their materials.  Remember, if they are lost there are no replacements so safeguard your regalia.

20. How can I get my picture and/or DVD of the Graduation ceremony?

Graduation photos and ceremony DVD's are mailed out as soon as they are ready after graduation.  To ensure that each graduate receives their materials graduates should write their home address and phone number on the back of their cards at graduation.  These are given to the photographer as the mailing list.  Also graduates should check the POISE system to ensure that they have a correct permanent address in the system.  All other questions regarding the photos or graduation DVD should be directed to:  Bennie Brown Photography (803) 467-1397.

If you have other questions or need additional information please contact Mr. Scott Blanks, Senior Class Advisor by calling (803) 705-4341 or email questions to blankss@benedict.edu.

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