By Angela E. Rodriguez |Staff Writer|
It’s graduation time again for CSUSB as it prepares to bring out caps and gowns with commencement quickly approaching in June.
Students who have spent sleepless nights studying for important exams and papers that will determine their futures all have led up to this moment where all eyes are on them and their bachelor’s degrees.
Seniors graduating this spring quarter have been preparing since early November, fulfilling grad check requirements to secure their right to walk.
“I’m pretty happy about finally graduating this quarter but am really concerned about not finding a job after I graduate because times are really tough right now and there are tons of people who are struggling for work,” said student Maria Paredes.
For students who are concerned about their next steps into the workforce, the Career Development Center offers services anywhere from career counseling to mock interviews and resume writing.
“I’m graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business and going to apply to grad school to make myself stand out from other graduates because I know that with just a bachelor’s it won’t get me to where I want to be in my career,” said student Grace Ojeda.
Due to the poor financial state of our country’s economy, there are many students who feel the same way as Ojeda.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February the unemployment rate for ages 20-24 was adjusted to 13.8 percent, compared to 8.3 percent for the overall workforce.
Many students are experiencing stress due to their senior projects or portfolios that have great impact on their final grades. “There is not enough hours in a day! I’m really stressed now that everything is getting down to business but I know that soon I will see that light at the end of the tunnel,” said Ojeda.
CSUSB’s main campus will be conducting spring graduation ceremonies beginning the third week of June in the Coussoulis Arena on Saturday, June 16 and 17 where graduating seniors have the chance to participate in either Black Graduation, Latino Graduation or regular commencement.
Coyotes who don’t want to participate in Spring Commencement and just want their degree are not obligated to walk, but if that’s you, do take it into consideration. After all, you only graduate college once.
The deadline to file a graduation check and to be included in commencement is April 30 and must be turned into the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluations.
Grad Days at CSUSB take place on April 24 and 25 for seniors to register for commencement and order their caps, gowns and other graduation memorabilia.
There are only a couple of months until CSUSB will have more accomplished graduates.