Skip to content

4th and 5th Year Student Issues Calendar

«  Back to
  Click here for a PDF version of the calendar
+ share this page

Graduation is a big part of the fourth (and fifth) year of college. Senioritis will begin to set in and finishing might become difficult. Encourage your student to stay focused and pay close attention to their graduation requirements and deadlines. For some students, it may be helpful to meet with their advisor to make sure everything is in order. It is also smart for your student to seek career advice from the Career and Professional Development Center.

Fall Semester

  • Issue: Anxiety about meeting graduation requirements.

    Solution: Suggest that your student see their academic advisor to make sure they are on track for graduation. They may also wish to talk to a faculty member about post-graduation plans (job, graduate school, etc.).

  • Issue: Applying for graduation.

    Solution: Remind your student to look out for information about graduation requirements and registration through their ubalt email. Your student may also visit the Registration and Records’ website and/or the Office of Community Life for more information.

  • Issue: What to do after graduation.

    Solution: Encourage your student to make a plan for what they want to do; whether it is get a job or attend graduate school, and make note of the steps that they need to take in order to accomplish their goals.

  • Issue: Uncertainty about attending a professional or graduate school and the requirements for applying.

    Solution: Encourage your student to research programs and schools of interest. Remind them to pay close attention to requirements for the program and institution (GPA, entrance exams, co-curricular activities, etc.). Students should begin studying for entrance exams to be taken during the Fall Semester. Students are encouraged to visit the Achievement and Learning Center or the Career and Professional Development Center for assistance with writing personal statements.

  • Issue: Problems looking for a job.

    Solution: Suggest that your student attend job fairs and visit the Career and Professional Development Center for more information on current openings. Students may also set up a mock interview to sharpen their interview skills. Remind your student to clean up their resume and cover letter. Students should ask faculty members/past employers to serve as references.

  • Issue: “Senioritis” or lack of motivation.

    Solution: Encourage your student to stay focused! Remind them to remember what it is that they are about to accomplish and to stay motivated. Help your student remember their priorities.

Spring Semester

  • Issue: Anxiety about leaving college; uncertainty about being out in the “real world.”

    Solution: Suggest that your student speak with a friend who may be facing the same anxiety or to seek services from the Counseling Center.

  • Issue: Staying in contact with friends and faculty/staff from college.

    Solution: Suggest that your student make sure they get current contact information from everyone they want to stay in contact with.

  • Issue: Making a financial plan for post-graduation.

    Solution: Encourage your student to make a budget for all of their expenses. Students should also check on deferment guidelines for student loans and make sure all expenses owed to the University have been paid.

  • Issue: Celebrating senior year.

    Solution: Remind your student to prioritize and make sure they still have time for studying and school work.

  • Issue: It’s Senior Year.

    Solution: Tell your student to enjoy it!