Graduating Students

Lesson 16: Mapping the Continuing Student Journey
123456

Current Page: 5 / 6


Intent to Graduate

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the University of his or her intent to graduate (policy 86-00). It is important the student confirms during the activation period on the Academic Calendar for that semester.

Applying to graduation can be done in LionPATH.

After the activation period expires the student must contact the appropriate college office to activate or remove the intent to graduate.  As an adviser, it may be helpful to follow up with the college or check the student’s record to be sure the student has applied. .

Viewing My Academics

The LionPATH My Academics page allows you to view all academic majors, minors, options and certificates on your record.

In the Academics section, of the Student Center, click the My Academics link.

aaaa

Figure 1: My Academics page

The My Program section of the page displays a tree structure showing all of your majors, minors, options and certificates.

Note: If you are enrolled in multiple academic levels, majors, minors, or certificates, they will all be visible in this area.

The left side of the page contains links to a variety of information.

  • The View my advisors link will redirect you to a list of your currently assigned advisors.
  • The Transfer Credit links will redirect you to a page that displays your transfer credits, if applicable.
  • The Course History link will redirect you to a page that displays all courses, past and present, on your record. Note: Refer to the Viewing your Course History tutorial for additional information about this page.

Certain information is not currently available in LionPATH. These items include:  Academic Requirements, What-If Report, Unofficial and Official Transcripts, Enrollment Verification, and Graduation information.

{Return to Top} 


Career Services

All Penn State students can access job and internship postings and interface with employers at online and in-person career fairs. For example, students seeking job or internship opportunities can visit Nittany Lion Career Network (NCLN) for postings.

Plans for Graduate school

If a student expresses an interest in pursuing a graduate degree either at Penn State or another institution, encourage the student to reach out to Career Services at World Campus. Graduate school is a part of reaching professional goals so discussing plans for an advanced degree with a career counselor is a logical step for a student. The WC career counselor(s) are available to help as student decide choice of graduate program or set a timeline, and they can review of personal statements or resumes related to the grad school application process. Students can also attend webinars as well as seek further information at the main Career Services Website.

Penn State-Further Education

Job Search

Many adult learners return to college for career reasons (e.g., advancement, career change, etc.). College students in general equate a degree with employment. Whether it is before or after graduation, you can refer students to Career Services when World Campus students face a job (or internship) search.

Job search competencies can range anywhere from writing a cover letter to negotiating a salary. Some students need to develop interview or similar candidate presentation skills while others are unaware of the array of job search strategies to use. Although Career Services is not a placement office that does staffing, the services are here to help students help themselves find and land opportunities.

Career Services can assist students in interviewing practice, company and employment information and research for both graduate schools and employers.

{Return to Top} 


Attending Graduation

 

Despite the distance, some World Campus students opt to attend graduation. The student will typically attend the campus that houses that particular academic program.  For example, the degree in Criminal Justice is offered through the Harrisburg campus so graduation for those students typically takes place at that location.  Students can also request to attend commencement at an alternate campus.

The World Campus Celebration

Each semester we host a Graduation Celebration for World Campus students, their families, and friends. Students often bring multiple family members to share in their experience and it is an excellent opportunity for you as an adviser to meet your students in person. During the celebration which can occur the evening before graduation or during the day on a Saturday, there is a formal recognition ceremony as well as a reception where a meal is served.  Faculty are also invited to this event and you are asked to RSVP for the event if you plan to attend.  There are also opportunities to volunteer at the event.

{Return to Top} 

 

Practice interviewing skills with the InterviewStream Quick Start Guide (scroll down to the section “Practice Your Interviewing Skills 24/7”).