Although many seniors seem confused about what they need to do for graduation, UB officials say that everything a senior needs to know can be found on the Student Affairs Web site.
It is the students' responsibility to make sure they get on the path to commencement weekend, UB officials say.
"With a campus this large, many students have a lot of academic options," said Shelley Frederick, vice provost of student academic processing services. "We rely on the students to let us know when they're graduating."
Still, even after registering for graduation and a diploma, many seniors are in the dark when it comes to ordering a cap and gown and getting tickets for their families.
Much of the commencement information can be found on Office of Special Event's Web site, including where to buy a cap and gown. Undergraduates wear blue, graduates wear black, and both rentals and personal caps and gowns can be purchased from the University Bookstore on Lee Road.
Ticket information will become available in April. According to the Web site, e-mails will go out to all students registered for commencement. Tickets are free but limited, and seating is first come, first served to many of the ceremonies. Students graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences are allowed a maximum of five tickets.
Many students said the process is a pain, but it's necessary.
"Wrapping up all of the loose ends and minor details that come along with graduation takes a long time and can be confusing," said Lauren Monaghan, a senior civil engineering major.
"The list of things to take care of before graduation is long and time consuming, but us seniors have no other choice," said Christopher Warner, a senior computer science major.
This year's commencement weekend falls on May 12 through May 21. From graduates to undergraduates, there will be nearly 20 commencement events, which include graduations, inductions, and convocations. The complete schedule can be found on the Office of Special Events Web site.
William Regan, director of the Office of Special Events, said students who missed the filing date have limited options to make their ceremonies at the Center for the Arts, Alumni Arena, or other various locations on both campuses.
"Students had to file for their degree by the first of February so a record of when they received their degree would be accurate. If they didn't, they can still walk with their department but their names won't be in the program," Regan said.
Regan said his office and the Student Response Center work together to keep seniors on track to graduate in May. Sending e-mails, advertising in campus publications, planning senior events and posting notices on MyUB have all proven to be successful ways of getting the word out, Regan said.
"We're trying to be very proactive about letting the students know what they have to do and when they have to do it by," he said.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
