Senior Success Plan
The Senior Success Plan helps you keep on track as you approach your senior year and graduation. While completing every task is not mandatory, we encourage you to review each task and consider how they enhance your experience. You may have already done some of them! You can mark items as "complete" or "in progress" to help you keep track of what's done and what you still have left to do.
The plan is designed to be completed over your final two semesters leading to graduation. If you're on a longer path to graduation, you can adjust when you complete the tasks to your plan and pace. The tasks on your list are sorted by completion date recommended by the system and fall into four categories:
- Review degree audit/program (independently or with advisor) - Check your audit before and after registration every semester. Your advisor is always happy help you double check.
- Finalize any internship, research, or study abroad plans - If you're planning on doing these in your senior year, check with your advisor about how these programs fit into your graduation timeline.
- Meet with a member of your Success Team for path to graduation - Although this plan is designed to be a two-semester plan, every student has a unique path to graduation. Meet with your academic advisor now to map out your path.
- Apply to Graduate with your Program - You may have already done this by completing a workshop or submitting an application to your academic advisor. If you haven't or are unsure, reach out to your academic advisor.
- Confirm Final Graduation Check with Success Team - When you register for your final semester, review your audit and check in with your academic advisor to make sure you are registered for what you need.
- Review Your Financial Aid Dashboard for Any Outstanding Requirements - start now and do this every semester. You may petition in your final semester to be below full-time for some scholarships if you only have a few classes left to complete your degree.
- Check Your Bursar Account for a bill this semester - start now and do this every semester.
- Explore Additional Scholarships as needed - Start applying now for additional funding sources to help you get over the finish line. Business majors can find Ellis scholarship information here.
- Budget for Your Final Semesters - Look at your anticipated costs for your remaining semesters and review your sources of funding. Start now and refresh every semester as needed.
- Ready to Cross that Stage? - mark this task as complete at the beginning of your final semester to unlock your celebration tasks.
- Review graduation.unm.edu for commencement and department event information - While some events are posted at the start of the semester, some are not available until closer to midterms. Be sure to sign up for events - some smaller units require tickets. If you have your information set as confidential but you want your name included in graduation programs, use this form to remove the confidential indicator.
- Verify name/personal information in the UNM system - make sure all your information is correct in your final semester and just after (especially if you're moving) - we want to make sure your diploma is mailed to the correct address.
- Verify diploma name and delivery information - In your final semester, double check your diploma information, especially if you have a preference about how your name appears or if you are asking for your diploma to be held for pick-up.
- Order cap, gown, accessories through the UNM Bookstore - Accessories could mean invitations, diploma frames, stoles, honor cords, etc.
- Take graduation photos!
- Update information with Alumni Association - You're a Lobo for life!
- Jumpstart your Career with Career Services - Once you connect with Career Services, subsequent tasks will guide you on your way. Business majors should work with Ellis Career Services.
- Update your resume or CV with Career Services - be ready to apply for opportunities that come your way.
- Find Career Fairs through Career Services - Put your best foot forward.
- Explore graduate school and funding sources - Start looking at graduate programs and admission requirements now, particularly if you want to start a graduate program immediately after completing your bachelor's.
- How to Order Transcripts and Diploma Copies - You can order early and ask for them to send after degree certification.
- Understand personal finances (including loan repayment if needed) - get empowered to stay on top of your future!
