CRITICAL DEADLINES FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING PROGRAM(S) THIS SEMESTER
If you are planning to complete a certificate OR degree OR both this semester, you should apply to graduate immediately (University deadline is March 15) see the "Apply to Graduate" link in the student area of myTSU (
Grad School info on graduation). You have to create a separate application to graduate inside of myTSU for each program you are completing. If you did this last semester but didn't finish, you must recreate the application(s). In addition to applying to graduate in myTSU, you need to complete the
Commencement Book Survey for the Graduate School, including your diploma/certificate mailing address.
If you are planning to take the MPA comprehensive exam this semester, the comp exam date is Friday March 23 at 8:45am - email Dr. Stanley or your advisor your Request to take comps form if you have not already done so this semester. If you sent it in a previous semester and didn't finish, you need to do it again. More info including resources to help prepare linked below.
Please review this entire message and retain for future reference. If you are seeking a certificate and a degree in the same semester, remember you need to complete all steps for both programs. You should also read carefully the following FAQ documents:
For continuing students, advising reminders will be announced via email later in the semester. In the meantime if you have a question, contact your advisor or if unavailable in summer term, contact Dr. Stanley.
DEADLINES
BY March 15 complete ALL the following paperwork that apply to you:
- Apply to graduate - Primary Program: If you are completing a single program (degree or certificate) this semester: Complete the online Graduation Application for your program inside myTSU. Application is mandatory whether or not you plan to attend commencement. If you have applied in a previous semester and didn't complete your program, you must re-apply. Receipt of a degree or graduate certificate is still contingent on completing all other relevant requirements, including those specific to the degree or certificate; having graduate GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 at the time of completion of all coursework; and complying with program, Graduate School, financial aid, and University policies.
- Apply to graduate - Secondary Program: If you are hoping to graduate in two programs this semester (ex. MPA and a certificate), complete the online application for the MPA degree as described above, and then repeat the same process to submit a second online application for your certificate program. Select "View Graduation Applications" afterwards in myTSU to confirm that you have successfully applied for both programs. If you have problems filing two graduation applications, notify your advisor immediately.
- Commencement Book information survey: If you are completing a program, in addition to applying to graduate in myTSU you need to complete the Commencement Book Survey for the Graduate School, including your diploma/certificate mailing address.
- Request to take the MPA comp exam: If you are planning to complete the MPA this semester: Request to take the MPA comprehensive exam (passing the comps is required for graduation, all MPA students) - You should email a scan of a signed copy or a hard copy to your advisor or Dr. Stanley. If you have not done so, submit immediately. You must have unconditional admission, a GPA of at least 3.0 and at least 30 credits successfully complete in the program by the time you request to take the exam. Date and time for the comps are indicated below.
- Completing a Certificate: If you are completing a certificate this semester, with or without the MPA, you must also complete the Completion of certificate form; send scan of signed copy to adviser via email by email.
ON FRIDAY March 23 at 8:45am, take the MPA comps:
- MPA Comprehensive Exam – Report at 8:45am to Suite F, PA Department, 4th Floor Avon Williams; plan to be here till 12 noon. If you are planning to take the exam, you should submit the Request to take the MPA comprehensive exam - if you have not done so, do this ASAP. Format of exam: Blue book essay; choose 3 out of 4 questions to answer. Blue books will be provided. Sample questions are available to give you the idea. Questions regarding exam administration - to Dr. Stanley at rstanley1@tnstate.edu.
BY FRIDAY March 30 (Friday after comps date) submit the following to your advisor:
- MPA Writing Portfolio: if you are completing the MPA this semester: submit Writing Portfolio (instructions and form) via email to advisor (in form of a single PDF file) by the deadline.
- MPA internship exemption packet: If you are completing the MPA this semester and you have approval from your advisor to apply for the internship exemption: submit the Internship Exemption Packet (instructions and form) via email to adviser (in form of a single PDF file) by the deadline. This option is only for students with one or more years of approved professional experience in a public, health or nonprofit sector setting, after consultation with advisor to determine eligibility.
May 2018 - degree completers only
- Commencement Ceremony: Stay current on procedures for getting regalia, rehearsal, etc. at the TSU Commencement website. There is usually a mid-semester event at the bookstore related to this, check the website for date early in the semester. Please note that only students completing a degree program participate in Commencement; certificate completers are not eligible. The exact time and location of commencement will be posted at the TSU Commencement website.
- FYI: Degree program graduates from Summer and Fall may walk in the December ceremony. (There are no commencement ceremonies held for summer graduates, but your degree will appear on transcript as granted as of August. Summer graduates may choose to walk in the ceremonies held December after the August of their actual graduation.)
ADVISING RESOURCES
