Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- As graduation approaches, preparations are underway at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville for the Countdown to Commencement on March 7. From 2:30 to 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Student Center, students will be able to obtain all they need for graduation.

"It's a one stop shop for students. When they get down to the wire, the last thing students want to do is to run all over campus getting their commencement needs taken care of," said Sue Lindholm, office manager for Alumni Services.

Students will be able to meet with all the departments and businesses they need in order to prepare for graduation. During the event, a drawing will be held for a UWP college ring, a cap and gown and five one-year memberships to the Alumni Association.

To find out more about the commencement ceremony and how to obtain transcripts, students may meet with the Registrar's Office. Students may also pay their $25 graduation fee. This fee covers the cost of the diploma, cover and mailing costs.

Commencement isn't complete without a cap and gown. These can be purchased from the University Book Store. Jostens will be selling graduation announcements and engineering students may place their order for the Order of Engineers ring.

Graduates and their families can celebrate commencement together at the Dining Services Graduation Family Brunch Buffet in the Pioneer Student Center on May 12. Tickets for the brunch may be purchased at the countdown. Those students whose families will require lodging and food for the weekend, can meet with representatives from the Platteville Chamber of Commerce for information.

The Alumni Association will be offering discounted memberships at $10 for the first year and $30 for three years. Regular price for membership is $25 for the first year and $65 for three years. Membership also includes an official alumni T-shirt. The Alumni Association is also placing orders for four-color commemorative graduation plaques.

The Senior-Say-Opportunity, sponsored by the UWP Foundation, gives students the opportunity to financially support an area of the university. The UWP Foundation will make the first donation totaling $20.07 (representing 2007). $10.07 will be allocated to a development fund of the student's choice. Students may choose to donate to the development of any of the three colleges or athletics. The remaining $10 will go to the high school of the student's choice for the UWP Community University Scholarship program.

Representatives from the Career Center will be registering students for six months of free services after graduation. Students who sign up for an Alumni Association membership receive an additional six months of free services from the Career Center. Students going onto graduate school may visit Counseling Services for testing information.

Information about Countdown to Commencement was mailed to all students and their parents who filled out an intent to graduate form. Information is also available by contacting Alumni Services at (608) 342-1181 or 800-UWP-ALUM.

Contact: Sue Lindholm, office manager, Alumni Services, (608) 342-1181,lindhosu@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,kurdik@uwplatt.edu