Approaching graduation, convocation, and the end of student life can be exciting but also potentially overwhelming. Follow this checklist throughout the year for a smoother transition into your next chapter.

Before your final semester:

Give yourself time to troubleshoot or problem-solve. Then, start planning in September or the late summer — so you’re not surprised.

• Run a DegreeWorks plan through your myTRU to identify if any outstanding courses are required.
  

  “Simultaneously use the Course Schedule to confirm course rotation and if the course would be offered in the future. Keep in mind there may be undue circumstances impacting course offerings beyond the institution’s control ie: when a faculty member leaves,” says Charlene Munro, supervisor, Academic Advising.

• Reach out to your department’s chair or program advisor to verify if your courses are on track for graduation, as specific faculties oversee adds, drops and course cancellations. For any questions related to a grade change, add or drop courses, waitlist, tuition or fee refunds, or student records, email records@tru.ca or olrecords@tru.ca (Open Learning).
• Ensure your tuition and fee payments are made on time so you can successfully register for your courses next semester. Review the important dates webpage and add it to your calendar to keep track.
• Get the most out of your TRU experience; use resources like resume prep and mock interviews through Career and Experiential Learning (CEL). If you don’t feel time for Co-op or Study Abroad, consider joining a peer mentor group for that extra resume boost.
• Peer Academic Coaching and resources like Supplemental Learning and the Writing Centre can ensure your last semester is successful. These resources can also help you develop transferable skills that can be transitioned into your professional life moving forward.
• As exciting as it is to graduate, it can also be overwhelming. Book an appointment with counselling services while you are still a student, as you will no longer have access to TRU services post-graduation. Make a mental health plan with your counsellor to ensure you understand your support options.

Final semester:

You are in the homestretch! The last few steps are crucial for your graduation success.

“Review your repayment information in your NSLSC Dashboard (National Student Loan Service Centre), including your loan repayment options and obligations. If you experience issues that the website or an NSLSC agent cannot resolve to your satisfaction, contact Student Awards and Financial Aid for assistance,” says Gordon Down, director of Student Awards and Financial Aid.

• Connect with your international student advisors (ISAs) in the International Building on the third floor or online to ensure your immigration concerns are addressed,
• If you are an international student, it is essential to register and attend the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) workshop.
• Complete all of your courses by the end of your last semester. Online courses must be completed with grades posted by the end date of each semester. The entire process can take up to four weeks from the day your grades are posted in your myTRU.

“Visit Career and Experiential Learning and academic advisors for your program at the start of your last semester to create a plan and ensure all requirements are met,” says Career Services Co-ordinator Noah Arney. “Make sure your resume is current, as you’ll want to start applying for jobs at least two months before exam season. Most jobs are posted for two weeks, and hiring someone takes five to six weeks,” says Arney. 

• Update your permanent address in myTRU to ensure you receive your credential.
• Apply for graduation online through myTRU. More information can be found here. Missing these deadlines may delay the processing of your graduation.
• Request your official transcripts through your myTRU account or send an email.
• If you are an international student, submit an online letter request form for a letter of completion or confirmation of graduation.
• Remember: graduation and convocation are two different things – once you’ve applied to graduate, register for convocation online or at the Registrar’s office.
• Check out this video to help with convocation readiness! This can help make your convocation experience much more accessible.
• For questions related to graduation, contact graduation@tru.ca. 

After graduating:

• As a TRU alum, you can stay connected by following @alumnitru on Instagram. Also, review more information on the TRU Alumni website.
• Alumni Relations Co-ordinator Shae-Lynn Forseille recommends downloading the TRU Alumni app to access top services. In addition, you are eligible for over 50 discounts on the savings program and support from other alums by joining the TRU Alumni Business Directory, among many others. 
• Alums can sign up to mentor students at various career mentoring events.

Congratulations, your hard work and dedication have paid off! Applying these tips to your last year will make it smooth sailing to graduation and convocation.