The Gatepost Editorial: Set yourself up for success this spring

By The Gatepost Editorial Board 

Spring has sprung on campus with warmer, sunnier weather, and many important deadlines, due dates, and events are popping up as we prepare for the conclusion of another school year. 

During this time, you may feel compelled to spend more time outside with friends, grab an ice cream at a local stand, or soak up the sun on the lawn outside of May Hall. While all of these activities are great ways to unwind and enjoy the extra hours of sunlight, you should keep up with your academics and upcoming obligations. 

While coursework and finals preparation are incredibly important for your success this semester, there are many other tasks outside of academics that you should complete before you leave campus, such as selecting your housing for next year, choosing your fall courses, and - for graduating seniors - registering for commencement.

If you complete this work now - while you’re on campus and it's on your mind - you’ll be setting yourself up for future success and an enjoyable summer vacation. 

The most important objective to accomplish over the next few weeks is to meet with your advisor - that includes graduating seniors. 

Meeting with your advisor is not only required to obtain your PIN for registration, but it’s also a great opportunity to connect with a member of your department’s faculty and track your progress toward graduation. 

For seniors, meeting with your advisor is still required and is an excellent opportunity to take one more look through DegreeWorks and ensure you’ve checked all the boxes for your degree requirements. 

You can also use this final meeting to connect on LinkedIn, exchange contact information, and just say “thanks” for their assistance and support throughout your time at FSU. 

Your advisors will soon become colleagues in your field, references for jobs, and personal confidants. Take a few moments to ensure you can stay in contact with them. 

Once you’ve determined your degree requirements are officially completed, give yourself a pat on the back and take pride in knowing all your hard work and late-night study sessions have paid off. Then, fill out your Notification of Candidacy form found on the Commencement SharePoint, and order your cap and gown. The long-awaited day is on May 23 at the DCU Center in Worcester.   

If you have any questions about Commencement, the very friendly Robin Kurkomelis can be found in the Dean of Students’ Office on the fifth floor of the McCarthy Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of graduation and commencement. 

If you’re returning to Framingham State next fall, have you filled out the housing application? 

If you have, remember you still have to select a room for next year. Students will have until March 31 to select a room in the residence hall of their choosing. After March 31, students will be placed in a room by the Residence Life staff -  the sooner you complete this task, the higher the chance you will get a room that is ideal for you! 

Any questions about room selection can be directed to Justin Smith, coordinator of assignments and housing operations. 

While choosing classes and selecting your room for next year is very exciting, it is also important to ensure you have funding. 

There’s still time to fill out the FAFSA application - which must be completed each year. Financial aid staff are available Monday through Friday on the fifth floor of the McCarthy Center and can answer any questions. 

If you’ve rented textbooks from the University Bookstore or borrowed books from the Henry Whittemore Library, make sure they are returned promptly before the end of the semester. Parting with these books may make you sad - until you remember the stress of reading on deadline - but be strong, and return these books for other FSU students to enjoy. You may also incur charges if these materials are not returned. 

Take these last few weeks of cold temperatures and intermittent rainstorms to get things done and get on track for a successful end of your semester, and know that in a few weeks, when you’re lounging in front of May Hall in the April sunshine, you’ll have peace of mind before the chaos of finals takes shape.