Get Ready for Graduation!
There are so many things to get done before you get your diploma—getting a cap and gown from the Cal Student Store, claiming your alumni email, and savoring every last moment on campus, just to name a few. It can be hard to keep track of and remember everything as you enter the busiest semester of your college journey. To help combat the senioritis, here’s a to-do list and reminders of what you need to get done before (and even after) you walk across that stage.
Review Your CalCentral Graduation Checklist
CalCentral has a built-in checklist for graduating seniors under the My Academics tab, and this should be the first thing you check to make sure you’re on track. Tasks include updating your diploma mailing address, completing any leftover requirements you may have, and registering for commencement (yes, you do have to register—reminders to purchase tickets for your loved ones will happen after registration).
What my graduation checklist looked like.
Keep Your Files & Get Your Alumni Email
The Student Technology Services’ Soon-to-Graduate webpage has everything you need to know about migrating your Adobe Creative Cloud files, claiming your Berkeley Alum email account, and preparing the contents of your Google Drive for your post-grad transition. You don’t have to say goodbye to all of your notes or essays you may have stored over the years on your Berkeley accounts—just make sure you complete the necessary steps before the grace period ends (274 days after graduation).
Claim Your Cal 1 Card Funds
Don’t forget about any leftover money you may have on your Cal 1 Card! You can check your account balance and request a refund for leftover funds. Learn how to request a refund on the Cal 1 Card Terms & Conditions page, under “Inactive Accounts & Positive Balances.”
Use Your Health Opportunity Funds
Health Opportunity Funds for the academic year are available to eligible students until about the end of the spring semester or until the pool of funds is exhausted. If you are eligible for HOF, your Cal 1 Card debit account has already been loaded with the credit and is ready for you to use. You can check your HOF balance on the Cal 1 Card site.
SHIP Coverage Ends Soon
SHIP cannot continue after graduation—the last day for coverage is December 31 (fall graduates) or July 31 (spring graduates), depending on your plan and when you are graduating. The ending of SHIP is considered a qualifying event that opens a 60-day special enrollment period for you to enroll in other insurance plans. Visit UHS’ Insurance After Graduation webpage to learn about your options.
Stay Connected to Campus
There are many ways to stay connected to the UC Berkeley community! Here are a handful of ways to keep in touch:
- Volunteer with the Cal Alumni Association — Find a Cal Alumni Association chapter near you and discover ways to give back to your Golden Bear community.
- Continue utilizing Berkeley Career Engagement services — You have two years post-graduation to meet one-on-one with a career counselor, and five years to continue using other services, including Handshake and career fairs. For more information on available alumni services, visit the Berkeley Career Engagement’s page on alumni eligibility.
- Become a mentor through the Cal Alumni Mentors Program — Undergraduate students are matched with alumni who share stories and advice from their time at Cal to working in their current careers. This is hosted by the Cal Alumni Association’s Berkeley Career Network.
- Regularly check your Berkeley email — You never know who will reach out to you! Keep an eye on your email for messages from underclassmen in student organizations seeking alumni guidance.
There will always be a place for you on campus, and it will always be your home. Stay engaged and stay connected, however you can.
Melissa Mora-Gonzalez, Class of 2025, majored in English and minored in conservation and resource studies. Feature image by Keegan Houser.
Want More?
- Make the most of your time Before You Graduate From Cal.
- Learn how to navigate job applications as a recent grad.
- Knock some of these things off of your Berkeley Bucket List.
- Explore Berkeley and the surrounding Bay Area during your last semester.