By Andrea Lozano
All the Counselors who helped students at the Grad Check Fest. Picture by Alexander Cabrera
On Thursday, February 15th, the San Bernardino Valley College's Grad Check Fest turned Room B100 of the business building into a festive center to assist any student who wanted to check their graduation status. From 10 am to 6 pm, students gathered for a day filled with celebration, guidance, and some fun.
The festival provided a welcoming environment, with a fast and efficient line to meet with counselors. Every counselor present was approachable and helpful and made sure that each student's questions were addressed. The festive atmosphere was aided by the DJ's interactive engagement with attendees such as dancing with students, giving the mic to anyone who wanted to do karaoke, and actively trying to hype anyone up.
The highlight of the event was the 360 video photo booth that captured memorable moments in high quality. The video was easily accessible through either phone or email and within minutes, students could download their personalized 360-degree video. The booth also provided a variety of props, including signs, party jewelry, and prop glasses, and encouraged many to pair up and create memorable videos. It even included a fun graduation border, the San Bernardino Valley College logo, and a "Congratulations Graduates" message at the bottom that added a personalized touch to the experience.
As students waited their turn, they enjoyed free pizza, soda, and chips. Carnival games and music added to the fun and provided students with a pleasant experience throughout the event. The absence of appointment requirements encouraged students to attend and get the help they needed from counselors.
Carnival Games. Picture by Andrea Lozano
The counselors played an important role in guiding students through the graduation eligibility check and application process. Their assistance was vital in helping many students discover their eligibility to graduate. Attendees were treated to free shirts, pins, and pictures that made the event not only productive but also memorable.
For those who missed the Grad Check Fest, counselor Patty Jones provided some essential tips. She suggested meeting with a counselor regularly, ensuring all general education requirements for the degree or transfer were met, and meeting with a counselor at least once a semester. Jones also emphasized that even if students needed summer classes, they could still be eligible for graduation. The filing period for graduation applications for the spring semester was highlighted as January 16th to March 1st and that summer the graduation application is from March 2nd to July 1st.
The Grad Check Fest at San Bernardino Valley College helped combine guidance with a festive atmosphere and supported students in receiving the information they needed to see where they stood with graduating and aid those who were ready to begin the application process toward graduation. The event's inclusivity and comprehensive support demonstrated the college's commitment to student success.
A list of students who found out they are graduating this year. Picture by Miguel Padilla
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