by Rattaya Nimibutr
Before you are just about to kiss your classes goodbye, walking away with a diploma in hand, you need to walk away with class.
To do that, the things that suit you best are none other than the traditional cap and gown, plus those announcements to tell everyone you've finally made it.
The necessities prior to the famous walk are, of course, the cap and gown, the appropriate cords and hoods and, last but not least, the graduation announcements.
All those things can be purchased either by mail or by phone, while all the information on the products can be picked up at the bookstore.
There are two kinds of announcements you can pick from: personalized and traditional. Both offer different packages and individual items, allowing you to invite everyone you know to come see your stardom.
Personalized announcements, the more popular choice, contain your name, degree and major, and honors and minors can be printed as well. Each of the three available packages includes announcements, thank-you notes and envelope seals.
The biggest package costs $127.80 and contains 50 of each item. The other two smaller packages contain fewer supplies and are about $30 and $60 less than the largest package.
The traditional announcements offer four different packages, ranging in price from about $50 to $100. Though the graduate's degree and major do not appear in these announcements, there are name cards included to identify the graduate.
Individual items can be purchased rather than buying packages, though it is not recommended. These individual items are usually purchased for extra supplies if any are needed.
Invitations can be ordered anytime by calling (800) 433-0296 (price list and samples are available at the bookstore). Orders must be placed by Monday, May 4, to ensure delivery in time for the big day.
In addition to announcements, proper attire, or the famous cap and gown, must be ordered. The cap and gown rental center will be available May 4 through 16. Mondays through Thursdays, fittings will take place from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The costs for these necessities vary by type of degree, since different degrees require different types of caps, hoods, gowns, and tassels.
With that, you are just about ready to take the golden walk.
Be sure to pick up all the information at the bookstore and put in orders early, and you'll be on the roll.