grad_com An electronic newsletter from the BSU School of Graduate Studies
	Vol. 3, No. 10	March 2006
The Process Registration: Grad classes Starting the count of seven years to complete a degree Form 1: Applying for admission to graduate studies Completing 13-16 graduate credits after admission Form 2: Applying for candidacy in a graduate degree program Taking the written exam at the end of course work Form 3: Proposing a research paper or thesis Doing the work and writing the results Form 4: Applying for graduation Submitting the research paper or thesis for review Form 5: Scheduling the oral examination Defending your graduate work Diploma	This month . . . · Get Ready for Graduation!!! · Important Announcement about a change in MnSCU Drop Payment Policy · Q&A: Question of the Month?
	Get Ready for Graduation!!! (Deadline to Apply for Graduation is March 19, 2007)
	It’s that time of year again… It is time, once again, to start thinking about graduation. If you plan on graduating this spring or summer, congratulations on getting this far! There are many things to plan for, but do not forget that there is also paper work to do. Choosing to Walk You may graduate in December, May, or August. Commencement, however, is held only once each year, in May. If you graduated in the fall or plan to graduate this spring or in the summer, you may participate in commencement with the spring semester graduates. A unique feature of graduation from Bemidji State University is the Commencement Walk – not on an athletic field, but along the streets lined with well wishers.		Graduation Start the process with Form 4 and a non-refundable $10.00 graduation fee. Diplomas typically are mailed about 60 days after the graduation date. Commencement If you participate, the traditional cap and gown is required; as a graduate student, you are also responsible for purchasing a Bemidji State University hood in the BSU Bookstore. For more information about Requirements for Graduation go to: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/graduatestudies/. Commencement Preparation March 19 – Form 4-Application for Graduation must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies March-April – Verify degree information in commencement booklet at Records Office commencement website April-May – Purchase cap, gown, and hood at the BSU Bookstore; send invitations May 9 Rehearsal – 3:30 Hagg-Sauer 100 GRADUATION!!!! May 18 Events 10:00-12:00 Hobson Memorial Union Pre-commencement celebration, reception, and brunch for all graduates, hosted by all colleges and departments 1:00 Memorial 100 Assembly for the Commencement Walk along Birchmont Drive and Birch Lane to the John Glas Fieldhouse 2:00 John Glas Fieldhouse, Physical Education Complex Commencement
Q&A: Question of the month? Q: Remind me, what is the deadline for submitting Form 4-Application for Graduation? A: The deadline for turning in Form 4-Application for Graduation is March 19, 2007 if you are planning to complete your degree Spring semester or by the end of Summer 2007. Don’t forget!!!
	For information on Regalia and History, see the May 2006 newsletter or visit the Records Office’s Commencement website.
	Important Announcement: The “Drop for Non-Payment” policy has changed. Instead of allowing five (5) business days for payment before dropping student registration, the policy now only allows one (1) day before student registrations are dropped for non-payment. Changes are in effect as of Summer session.
	New MnSCU Policy 5.12 for Tuition and Fee Due Dates
	Tuition and fees should be paid in full no later than the first (1^st) day of the term or the student will be dropped from all classes. However a student will not be dropped for non-payment if any one of the following criteria is met: The student has applied for financial aid and the university has received the FAFSA results from the US Department of Education. The student has made a minimum down payment to tuition and fees of 15% or $300 whichever is less and has an active payment plan contract. The student has a scholarship or third party award that meets the minimum down payment rule. The student is enrolled in the PSEO program. The student’s tuition and fees are deferred for special hardship cases such as sudden illness, a death in the family or natural disaster. For more information please contact Jerry Winans at jwinans@bemidjistate.edu or Laureen Lawyer at 218-755-2046 or llawyer@bemidjistate.edu or go to our website www.bemidjistate.edu/businessoffice/.
	NOTICE: TO ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS FINISHING THIS SPRING – APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATION ARE DUE BY MARCH 19^TH. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION IN TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES.
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