So, Your Student’s a Senior

Your Carolina student is entering his or her last year as a college student, and the changes that await them can be tremendously overwhelming and exciting. Carolina has many programs and events that aim to keep seniors focused on graduation and future plans, but still encourages them to enjoy their last year. Following are important information and links to everything you need to know. For more detailed information, look at the Senior Year section of the Parents Handbook.

During Senior Year

• Career Services provides services to graduating students going on to graduate school, entering the work force, or looking for internships. A few services include: on-line job listings, practice interviews, on-campus interviews with potential employers, job fairs, and resume critiques. See http://careers.unc.edu for more information.
  
  
• The Senior Website, http://seniors.unc.edu, is an easy way for students and parents to keep updated on events planned for seniors, the senior class gift, senior service projects, and more. The site is constantly updated, so check back often.
  
  
• Continuing Insurance Coverage
  Many student’s traditional medical insurance under a parent’s plan terminates upon graduation, marriage, leaving school, or attaining the maximum age provided for in the plan. If a lapse will occur in your student’s coverage, he or she may consider purchasing a COBRA plan or an individual plan for interim coverage. The University’s insurance broker, Hill, Chesson & Woody and Associates offers a number of individual plans, 1-800-579-8022 or http://www.hillchesson.com
  
  
• Financial Aid Exit Interviews
  If your student borrowed campus-based loans (Federal Perkins, University, Health Professions, etc.) they must complete an exit interview at http://www.collegexit.com before graduation. If your student has borrowed a Federal Stafford Loan, they must complete an exit interview at http://mapping-your-future.org/services/oslcidx.htm. Failure to complete exit interviews may result in a loan being declared delinquent.
  
  
• Applying to Graduate
  Students often assume that after finishing course requirements, graduation status occurs automatically. However, all seniors must apply and be approved for graduation within their department. Seniors should consult with their department for specific application information and deadlines.

And Beyond
The General Alumni Association provides a free email forwarding service for your student, in addition to being your student’s link back to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Seniors should sign up for the email forwarding because their campus email address will be terminated 60 days after they graduate. The email forwarding will allow them to receive any email sent to their old address at a new email address. For more information on email forward or the benefits of joining the General Alumni Association, check out http://alumni.unc.edu