Things to do

Important things to do before you graduate.

Apply for graduation.

• Graduation applications are only accepted online via MyCharleston. Log in, then click on the Academic Services tab. Then, click on the Banner Self Service Link. Next, click on "Student" and then "Student Records." Within the subfolder you will find the link to "Apply to Graduate."
• Students who apply after the deadline will have to pay an additional $25 (for a total of $50) and apply in person at the Graduate Studies Office, located in 310 Randolph Hall

Complete your degree check.

• Ensure the Graduate School Office has a copy of your Program of Study form and any Program of Study Change forms you may have completed.
• If you have transfer credit, which has been approved by your program, please make certain that you have ordered an official copy of your transcript to be sent to the Graduate School Office (for students in Education programs) or to be your graduate program office (all other programs). Transfer credit needs to be manually applied to your student records and this takes time.  So please request any transcripts as soon as possible.
• If you are completing a thesis for Spring 2012, you must successfully defend your work and submit your thesis online by midnight, Monday, April 23, 2012.
• If comprehensive exams are required for your program, please arrange to take the exam on the scheduled dates.
• For information or questions regarding your degree check or graduation, email Regan Fantry, Director of Student Records.

Take the financial aid exit interview.

• You must complete the online exit interview if you paid for any part of your graduate education with loans.  Your PIN is the same as your FAFSA personal identification number. Contact the Department of Education if you have forgotten your PIN.

Purchase graduation regalia.

• Purchase from the College Bookstore. The costs for matte finish academic regalia are listed below. Prices are subject to change and do not include SC sales tax. The deadline to order regalia is Monday, Friday, March 16, 2012. Click here to download the order form in PDF format. You may then take the form to the bookstore to complete your order.
  
  • Cap, gown and tassel: $38.00
  • Ladies white collar: no charge
  • Master hood: $30.00
  • Additional tassel: $4.10
  • Jumbo tassel: $5.50
  • Cap: $10.00
• Ladies will receive a white collar at the Bookstore register when making the purchase of your complete regalia.
• Please do not purchase flowers for the commencement ceremony.  Master's candidates do not carry flowers during the ceremony.
• Bring all items with you to graduation. Students do not need to drop off their hood at the Graduate School Office.
• Check your regalia. Before graduation, open and check your regalia to ensure you have all items and the correct color hood.  The color of your program's hood is designated below:
  • Accountancy: Drab
  • Bilingual Legal Interpreting: White
  • Communication: Silver
  • Computer & Information Sciences: Gold
  • Education: Light Blue
  • English: White
  • Environmental Studies: Yellow
  • Historic Preservation: Orange
  • History: White
  • Marine Biology: Gold
  • Mathematics: Gold
  • Public Administration: Peacock Blue

Purchase graduation announcements.

• Order your ceremony announcements by Friday, March 16, 2012.  You can place your order with Balfour.  Make sure you order College of Charleston (as the school), and select "Graduate Invitations" Prior to checkout.