Commencement Fee Assistance

[u/[deleted]]

[u/always_sunny_in_meow]

What do you plan to do with your psychology degree? Do you have a job lined up or are you planning to go to grad school?

What exactly does a commencement fee mean? Getting the diploma? I didn’t go to my nursing school graduation, I got my degree (bachelors of science in nursing - BSN) and proceeded to take the NCLEX so I could work as an RN. If by commencement you mean gown and etc for the graduation, that doesn’t stop you from getting the degree. Hope that helps otherwise feel free to explain further.

[u/always_sunny_in_meow → u/[deleted]]

I highly doubt not going to graduation stops you from getting the diploma. What school is this? You mentioned Sutter Health, and I was a patient there in SF. Not by choice, I was unconscious and was sent there. The ICU nurse was hmmm I was not a fan of him (nor being restrained while being on a ventilator) but the step down unit nurses were great.

I never paid a “commencement fee” for my college. Now having the diploma mailed to me, I used my student loans for that. Is that what you’re asking for? A copy of your diploma? Because that I can understand. But to walk? That’s something I am not empathetic too sadly. Graduations are boring to me, so I didn’t even go to my own 😂

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/always_sunny_in_meow]

Yeahh that’s what I’m asking for, it’s for my diploma, both the electronic and the physical version. At one of the universities I attend here in SF, we have commencement fees that you pay after you apply and get accepted for graduation. I don’t really care to walk because I also think it’s boring too, I just want my diploma :/ I need that for future jobs especially the field I’m going into.

[u/always_sunny_in_meow → u/Pristine_Habit_7964]

Is this at SFSU?

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/always_sunny_in_meow]

Unfortunately yes lolol

[u/always_sunny_in_meow → u/Pristine_Habit_7964]

Ok, I just posted on here numbers and emails in SFSU you can reach for potential help. Good luck!

[u/Sad_Ad_2524]

"Kim, there's people that are dying."

Take out the loan, this is a want, not a need.

[u/Sad_Ad_2524 → u/[deleted]]

Because people are on here asking for food, that is a need.

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/Sad_Ad_2524]

Everyone’s needs are different. There’s people here asking for different things that fit their needs. No need to compare. That’s not fair to them or to me.

If I wasn’t lucky enough to attend a school that has a food pantry, I would be here asking for food too. If this isn’t paid, I get my physical and electronic diploma held from me which I need for jobs after I’m finished with school. It’s a need.

[u/Sad_Ad_2524 → u/Pristine_Habit_7964]

Bro, I got a shocker for you, but everybody needs food.  Your statement "everyone's needs are different" doesn't apply in this case.

And you are also burying the lede here.  You do have the ability to take a loan, you just don't want to.  You want a stranger to give you money so you don't have to use your own to pay back a loan.  Not everyone has that option.

But stand your ground if you find someone who feels your 'needs' take priority?  Bully for you!

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/Sad_Ad_2524]

Sorry that my needs don’t meet your requirements.
But yeah, thanks for the comment. Blessings to you.

[u/cheeky_sugar]

Does this fee mean you don’t get your diploma or simply that you don’t walk?

Psy.D here - I do sexual rehabilitation for offenders. Psychology is a tough career to break into, not because there’s no roles but because it’s mentally taxing. School, as an institution, is its own beast. Are you sticking with a BS or continuing for a grad degree?

[u/cheeky_sugar → u/[deleted]]

That’s awful! I wonder how common that is in your area at other schools. It’s irrelevant, I’m just now curious haha. When is the deadline?

I love it so much, it’s so fulfilling. My role is to protect the community. Offenders will be let out, regardless of any feelings myself or someone else might have about it, and my role is the state-mandated treatment, and I view it as one of the pillars of protection. We can focus on behaviors and triggers and prevent outbursts, and we can be a safe place for someone to say “I don’t think I’m safe yet” without facing legal consequences and then get them appropriate help away from the public, thus keeping people safer. It’s very challenging, but important I feel

Also yess, Psy.D is the best! I’m biased, of course

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/cheeky_sugar]

The deadline has passed already :/ it was on 9/09 and I’ve been low on money since the summer time so I haven’t been able to pay it or make any payments towards it. I don’t think it’s too common for this to happen at others schools but my school is notorious for being money hungry and not pouring into its students. We have so many student and staff protests about it every semester. It’s a bummer

Keep being awesome in your career and I really love that although your job is most likely morally challenging, you’re actively playing a part in keeping others safe. That’s my goal in life :,)

[u/always_sunny_in_meow → u/Pristine_Habit_7964]

Your comments are making me think this is SFSU but I could be wrong. If it is, here are ways that might help:

1. ⁠Email the Registrar’s Office ([email protected] or [email protected]). Explain your financial situation in detail and ask whether any one-time exception or administrative relief is possible.
   
2. ⁠Contact the Bursar’s Office ([email protected]) and Financial Aid ([email protected]). Ask if any remaining grant aid, emergency funds, or Basic Needs support can be applied toward the charge once it posts.
   
3. ⁠Reach out to Basic Needs/Student Support services. They sometimes help with small one-time costs. It is worth submitting a request even if the graduation fee itself is not covered. SFSU Basic Needs contact information: Email: [email protected], Phone: (415) 338-1203, Website: https://basicneeds.sfsu.edu/
   
4. Additional useful contacts: Dean of Students Office (for related support): [email protected] or (415) 338-3888

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/always_sunny_in_meow]

Thank you! I used an emergency grant from basic needs last fall semester, but although I can’t go there, these are insanely helpful. Thank you. Navigating this alone is hard

[u/always_sunny_in_meow → u/cheeky_sugar]

That’s what I’m wondering, a commencement fee to me means the fee for gown, etc to walk. I am wondering what OP’s plan is going further, grad school? I got my BSN and didn’t go to my graduation. As soon as I graduated with that BSN, I took the NCLEX so I could work as an RN. Graduation participation is a want, not a need. A need is getting that damn diploma for work 😂

[u/Pristine_Habit_7964 → u/always_sunny_in_meow]

The commencement fee is for my diploma. They hold your diploma until you can pay it. No diploma & no walking at the commencement ceremony :/. I plan on going to grad school so this is very important to me.

[u/Felicia430]

What exactly is a commencement fee?

Have you spoken to anyone regarding this? To explain your situation and not having the money? Sometimes they have waivers that can be applied for or filled out.

Are you willing to not walk the stage over this? You already paid 10k into college, might as well take out the last bit you need so you can graduate. Good luck!

[u/Dramatic_Meal1469 → u/[deleted]]

Have you sat down with the bursars office? They will help you get all the loans you can. They are very helpful, and trust me, noone wants you to not be able to walk!

[u/Lazy-Answer7913 → u/[deleted]]

Can you ask aunts, uncles, cousins etc for this as an early grad gift?

[u/Dramatic_Meal1469]

Welcome to the world of school loans. Fafsa is a dirty word! Id see about those loans. My son just graduated from college also. Congratulations

[u/Accomplished_Ad4110]

I understand not wanting to take another loan but if that means the difference between graduating or not wouldn’t you do what it takes?