Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) held its annual senior convocation for the class of 2012 on Oct. 6. The program took place at noon in the Lowenstein 12th floor lounge, which was filled with seniors and speakers. The convocation provided information for the seniors so that they could be better prepared for graduation in May 2012.

According to Mark E. Mattson, associate dean of FCLC, the purpose of the convocation was to allow the seniors to look back and reflect on their accomplishments and to aid seniors with their transition into the world of careers and graduate school.

Mattson shared with the class of 2012 a checklist entitled “How Do I Get to Graduation?” It said seniors should check DegreeWorks first, plan a spring schedule to finish requirements and meet with an adviser. Mattson also brought up the issue of the lack of a senior dean and said that the university should expect to have one shortly.

In order to be prepared for Commencement on May 19, 2012, Mattson said that seniors must go through several steps. Seniors must register for graduation by logging onto My.Fordham and clicking the “Student” tab. From there, students can access Banner Self-Service, click on “student” once more and see an option that says “Apply to Graduate.”

After that step is done, Mattson said that seniors should: order a cap and gown, go to Senior Salute and get the cap and gown, finish university course work, attend Senior Week events, go to the Baccalaureate Mass and Family Reception on May 18, 2012, and then attend the Commencement.

The Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., dean of FCLC, was also in attendance and welcomed the seniors to the convocation.  He said, “It’s hard to believe that orientation didn’t just happen. You are a special group of individuals and you are special because you are our senior class.”

Hillman Norberg, FCLC ’12, thought the convocation was helpful and said, “It’s a good idea to let the seniors know what’s going on. I just want to be certain about graduation and the steps toward it.”

Norberg said, “My dean left last year and I came because I don’t want to beat around the bush. Many of my friends are just trying to get to graduation on their own.”

Others like Hyewon Yoon, FCLC ’12, felt slightly different. She supported the convocation but believed that the university could do more in aiding students with their transition, and said, “I think the convocation will help and it is completely voluntary but the university could help a bit more with the graduate school process.”

Yoon said that there is “barely enough time” to meet with advisors. “I want more information from Career Services and an opportunity to meet more alumni,” she said.

Though many seniors were worried about obtaining a job and career after college, the convocation offered a solution and an employee from Career Services shared a few words. According to Samantha Friedberg, assistant director of Marketing & Operations Manager, 70 percent of jobs are found through networking. “The Office of Career Services is always open to all and will provide you with the skills you need to get a job,” Friedberg said.

At the end of the convocation, Tim Dinneen, alumni relations officer, young alumni and student initiatives, said, “Nothing here turns to dust. After you graduate, there are so many opportunities.”

Ashley Sequeira, FCLC ’12, said, “I’m terrified as a senior but I feel so much better about senior year because I’m leaving and I don’t have to worry about my academics. The information was useful and I’m super excited for graduation.”