Prospective graduates should meet with an adviser first.
By Blanca Granados
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Applying is the first step to graduate from this college, the associate director of admissions and two advisers told eight students at the Cap N’ Coffee graduation session March 6 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.
Applying for graduation is the first step, said associate Director of Admissions Joe Jacques.
The admissions office asked for applications to be turned in by March 9 but will accept them through April 2, the date students can pick caps and gowns, Joe Jacques, associate director of admissions, said.
“I don’t like to focus on deadlines because we’re here to help you graduate and if you have all the credits required, we’ll make sure you walk that stage,” he said.
Phillip Casarez, adviser in the Creative and Communication Arts Institute, said it is important students schedule an appointment with their adviser to make sure they have all the credits they need.
Sometimes students believe they’re ready to graduate and find out at the last minute they’re missing one or two credits, he said. Then they’re held back one semester or more.
“That’s why it is very important for incoming students and current students to meet with an adviser to develop a plan ahead of time to avoid hold-backs,” he said.
The graduation ceremony will be 10 a.m. May 12 at Freeman Coliseum. Students must arrive at 7:45 a.m. Doors open to the public at 9 a.m.
General parking is $10, an adviser in the Business and Public Service Institute, Sara Passement, said. All students get one free parking pass with their graduation package when they pick up their cap and gown, she said.
“I recommend you find a way to hold onto your phone. You’ll need it to find your parents after,” Jacques said. “Feel free to wear your club or organization stole and/or decorate your cap.”
Graduates can paint their cap, bedazzle it with their name, write a quote or even a favorite sports team on it, he said.
“It’s your day; you’ve earned it,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make it enjoyable for you.”
Casarez said advisers are available 8 a.m.- 8 p.m Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-noon every Saturday until graduation starting in April.
To graduate, students need to complete a graduation packet. Students can get packets from an adviser or print it online at http://alamo.edu/sac/graduation-steps.
Students who plan to participate in commencement need to pick up their cap and gown in the Duran Welcome Center April 2-6.
Students can pick up their cap and gown later at in the admissions and records office in Room 216 of Fletcher Administration Center. It is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the first Saturday of the month.
Students will receive degrees and certificates in the mail in June and July.
Information is available at alamo.edu/sac/graduation.
