trickykitty: (Default)
Nicole ([personal profile] trickykitty) wrote2008-02-11 08:41 am

Graduation Checklist

I am reminded again of the strange fact that despite receiving a bachelor's of science in AI research and development, my degree is being conferred by the UTA School of Urban and Public Affairs. I will be so happy to get far far away from UTA's asshattery as soon as possible.

Commencement: Sunday, May 11, 2008, Texas Hall at UTA, 12:30pm
(This to me will be stranger than hell walking the stage a full three months before finishing my last class. Must to stay focused after commencement.)

Things to purchase: Cap, Gown, Latin cord, Announcements
Everything says to order these from the UTA Bookstore, but apparently it has to be done in person since there's not a damn thing on their website about graduation stuff. Mostly I wanted to check the color of the cap and gown. It would be funny as hell if it was the same bright blue that my high school one was, in which case I could just wear the same one I already have - provided it still fits. ([livejournal.com profile] geminibalance, do you remember what color it is?)

Confirm with Academic Dean's Office how many tickets I am receiving for the commencement ceremony.

Meet with McNair advisor and receive McNair stole - to be done in April

By the way, this is where I throw one of the biggest fits known to man (rules are the same across Texas) - B-On-Time Loan Program.
If something like this existed when I first started college, you better believe I would have graduated in 3-4 years. To not have school loans to pay would be the biggest blessing in the world. Young snots have it fucking easy as shit. There is no reason in the world for them to not all have degrees.

[identity profile] kitan.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
God's tits! I wish I'd had that! I got *two* degrees in four years, and that's my bloody college! I might not be paying off my education until I hit menopause! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrggh!

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Am making a mental note on the loan program for in the near future reference!

Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] disgruntledgrrl.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
If I get my GED - would I qualify for this should I tackle my computer Graphics degree?
(with a side order of french and sewing)

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"have graduated from an accredited Texas private or public high school in the 2002-2003 academic year or later under the recommended high school program"

I honestly don't know if a GED would count. It may depend on how you get it and where you get it from. My sister has a GED, but she officially went to an accredited school (no longer in existence) and took a year or so worth of classes to get it, so I think hers might count. You would just have to check carefully both with the school issuing the GED and also the college/uni you would be applying to.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 06:31 pm (UTC)(link)
However, there is also this:

"or received an associate’s degree from an eligible institution no earlier than May 1, 2005"

You could always get your basics out of the way at TCC and get an Associates, which means you would at least qualify for two years (the remainder of the bachelor's) being paid for.

Based on UTA's new flat rate schedule, you'd be taking 4-5 classes per semester and paying $3232-$3597 per semester with an estimated 4 semesters to receive a bachelors (after receiving the associates and paying out of pocket, slightly cheaper rates at TCC for it). Anything that could possibly save you $13-15k is well worth it in my book.
Edited 2008-02-11 18:31 (UTC)

4-5 classes per semester and paying $3232-$3597 per semester

[identity profile] disgruntledgrrl.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
While that sounds doable though tight - it would come down to College or House. -_-

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:23 pm (UTC)(link)
If you find out GED does not work, it might be worth looking at Winfree Academy (http://www.winfreeacademy.com/). My son transferred out of Bell last fall to attend Winfree and will most likely be graduating before Spring Break. One of my very good friends happens to be one of the registrars there, so if you want to check into it, let me know and I'll get her direct contact info to you.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
oh yeah, and I forgot to mention, Winfree is Free :)

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Now that I think about it, that might be just like what my sister did. Now I have to ask her if she has a GED or an actual diploma.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
That was one of the criteria for me allowing Christo to transfer. They get a diploma and I spoke with both TCC and UTA and they both recognize it.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Major recommendation here: if he decides to stay in town, have him look into UT-Dallas above and beyond UT-Arlington.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
you'll have to give me the low down on that sometime IRL :)

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 07:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't he graduating this year? Will he be going to school next year?

If it's yes/yes then yeah, we should talk soon, very soon. He should already be applying for admittance and financial aid.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes and probably not until next year. He is going to be going to a "boot camp" of sorts at his uncle's house. He will learn more in six months or a year from my brother than he would ever hope to learn in college, but at the same time, I am starting to get a little nervous about the whole idea :(

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-11 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll have to make plans to come by and visit with you soon any way.

Re: Hey wait a minute

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-12 02:28 pm (UTC)(link)
No kidding - it's been TOO long since we have seen one another!

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-13 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
I checked today and the maximum entry age for Winfree is 25 :(

[identity profile] trickykitty.livejournal.com 2008-02-13 06:05 am (UTC)(link)
Another blow to us old foggies. Apparently we only have one chance in hell to get it right the first time and still having to pay for it.

[identity profile] seci.livejournal.com 2008-02-13 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I am LOL about old "foggies" because things do get foggy when we get older!