1. Welcome Prospective Graduates!
Mike Bosco
Graduation Meeting
March 26, 2019

2. Unsure if you can graduate?
Go to student portal and check that your degree requirements are met, this is under the heading “Degree Audit”
GPA MUST be a 2.0. A GPA of 1.99 doesn’t make it!
You may walk in commencement max of two classes needed to graduate – or if degree program ends in August with no classes left
You may petition if you have three classes remaining, may complete them in the summer and are registered for the classes
James Klasen

3. Petition to Graduate
Form due to Registrar, James Klasen no later than Friday, April 19, 2019
Failure to return form will result in you not being allowed to participate in Commencement.
Forms available today after the meeting, via , on the Student Portal under My Documents, and on the Commencement Bulletin Board!
James Klasen

4. Financial Aid
All students must complete Exit Loan Counseling before Financial Aid will sign off on your petition to graduate –
Remember that you MUST repay all loans that helped you attend BFIT
Don’t forget to utilize NSLDS – a free service for BFIT students – to help with loan repayment–
Tatjana Haskaj

5. Student Accounts
Students must settle all financial obligations with the college before Student Accounts will sign off on the petition to graduate
Should a new financial obligation occur between submitting the petition to graduate and graduation, you will not receive your cap and gown or be allowed to participate in the ceremony
Diplomas and transcripts will be not be available if you have any holds on your account
Tatjana Haskaj

6. Career Services
Students must complete the Graduation Exit Survey in order for your Petition to Graduate to be signed by Career Services.
The survey is now available on the BFIT website and Student Portal
Career Services

7. Graduation Fair Thursday, April 4th - 11 am to 1:30 pm BFIT Lobby
Cap and Gown Measurements
Petition to Graduate Assistance from:
Registrar
Student Accounts
Financial Aid
Career Services and Industry Partnerships
Handicap Seating Requests
Mike Bosco

8. Graduation Rehearsal and Ticket Distribution
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Auditorium
MANDATORY for those that are participating in Commencement
Mike Bosco

9. What to expect at Rehearsal
Seating order
Pronunciation of names
Invitations and tickets
Run through of the ceremony
When to arrive
Where to arrive
Mike Bosco

10. Graduation Invitations & Tickets
Each graduate will receive a maximum of 3 graduation tickets to the ceremony on Rehearsal Day (April 24th)
Additional tickets may be available as numbers change based on petition forms and number of graduates attending
Additional tickets will be distributed at Cap and Gown pick up (first come, first serve) – Watch for details (May 15th and 16th)
Mike Bosco

11. Cap & Gown Distribution
Wednesday, May 15th - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, May 16th - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis while cap and gown distribution is happening
Mike Bosco

12. Academic Awards Night Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
Honorees include graduating students that achieve Dean’s List, departmental award recipients, Student Affairs Award
Family members of award recipients are invited to attend
Mike Bosco

13. Commencement 2019 Saturday May 18, 2019 Ceremony Begins at 10 a.m.
Ceremony lasts approximately two hours
Mike

14. Student Commencement Speaker
Each year a member of the graduating class is chosen to represent their class as the student speaker at the Commencement ceremony. Students who will graduate in May are invited to become candidates for this honor.
Submit your speech to Brett Wellman by Friday, April 12th at 4 pm
Speeches will be reviewed by a selection committee and finalists will be invited to deliver their draft speech in person to the committee
The candidate that is selected to be the Student Commencement Speaker will work with members of the committee to further develop the written speech and the delivery of the speech.
The Student Commencement Speaker will be announced at Graduation Rehearsal on Wednesday, April 24th
Mike Bosco

15. Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient
Rep. Ayanna Pressley
US House of Representatives, 7th Congressional District MA

16. Reception
A light reception for graduates and families will follow the ceremony in the BFIT lobby.
Enjoy photos with friends, family, and faculty/staff members before you leave!
Mike Bosco

17. Additional Questions? Contact:
Jackie Cornog, Dean of Student Services Room #U
Mike Bosco