Graduating from Georgia Tech just got a little easier – and more fun. Students planning to graduate in the spring can take care of the typical graduation "to dos" at the spring Commencement Fair. They can also enjoy newer graduation traditions - free snacks, raffle prizes, a picture with Buzz, and filming a commencement clip.  On February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, a cornucopia of commencement-related services will be at the ready to guide students throughout the graduation process.

"We know how stressful a grad's last semester can be at Tech and we want to help expedite the commencement preparation process and celebrate in the grad's accomplishments," said Institute Event Planner and Commencement Fair Manager Laura Pusateri. Commencement Fair gives students, "the opportunity to complete all their commencement-related needs, as well as talk to [representatives of] companies who can assist in their success after Georgia Tech."

Representatives from the Institute as well as local vendors who can assist with the transition to life after Georgia Tech will be in attendance. The list of delegates includes Barnes & Noble@Georgia Tech, Blueprint, the Office of Career Services, the Campus Recreation Center, the Commencement Office, the Registrar's Office, the Georgia Tech Student Foundation, the Office of Graduate Studies, and the Alumni Association as well as Target, Wachovia, Post Properties, Balfour, Prudential Georgia Realty, Liberty Mutual and Kaplan. Caps, gowns, tassels, invitations, diploma frames, and class rings will be available for purchase. Students can also receive resume and career development assistance, enroll in the Alumni Association, explore graduate school programs, RSVP to the commencement ceremony and verify their graduation status.

In addition to finalizing their commencement plans, students can also capture some of their best college memories on film. Between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., students can participate in a new Georgia Tech tradition by taping a five- to ten-second commencement clip. "The intent of commencement clips is to give graduates the chance to thank those who have helped them reach graduation, show their Yellow Jacket spirit and/or congratulate fellow classmates on their successes," said Pusateri. Some student messages will be included in a video that will air on the big screen in Alexander Memorial Coliseum on the day of commencement prior to the ceremony. Students may film clips individually or in a group.

In addition to commencement clips, students have three opportunities for free graduation photos while at the Fair. From 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Buzz will be available for photographs with graduates. In addition, both the Blueprint and GradImages will be at the Fair to take photos of students in their caps and gowns. Students who are interested in participating in Commencement Fair but are unable to attend should visit www.commencement.gatech.edu for additional details.