Graduation is a time to reflect on your years at TCU. Although you may have spent many late nights cramming for tests, you don't want to wait until the night before to make sure you are prepared for the ceremony.

Student Graduation Checklist:

- Order your cap, gown and diploma

o A late fee will be assessed on cap, gown and diploma orders that are placed after Nov. 12.

- Pick up your cap and gown at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum

o Dec. 17 9 a.m. &- 4:30 p.m.

o Dec. 18 8 a.m. &- noon

- Send your graduation announcements and invitations

As graduation approaches many senior students are left with the startling realization that they are about to enter the real world. Many are afraid or unsure what lies ahead while others already have a job lined up. A select few however, join a program known as Teach for America, which allows college graduates the chance to work in urban and rural schools for two years in low-income communities across the United States.

What is your favorite TCU memory?

"Freshman and sophomore year, a bunch of friends and I would go late at night and play Sardines [a game like hide and seek] on the academic side of campus. We'd hide in the most awkward spots in Sid Rich[Sid W. Richardson Building], in the stairwell behind the library and even in a storm drain next to Beasley."

Anthropology major Stefanie Grows from El Dorado Hills, Calif.

President Barack Obama recently invited both Democrats and Republicans to the White House to debate the upcoming tax decisions that Congress will have to make. Republicans would like the Bush-era tax...

Congratulations are due for the December 2010 graduates. An estimated 440 undergraduate students will cross the stage Dec. 18, 2010, with degrees from at least one of eight individual colleges. Students...

For Neeley School of Business marketing instructor Bob Akin, graduation is the hardest part of his job.

"It's like giving up your own children," he said. "You want to keep them."

For eight years, Akin has watched his former students walk across the graduation stage and into successful careers.

Although he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from TCU, Akin never saw himself teaching here 8212; or anywhere, for that matter.

Three December graduates share their memories and offer suggestions from their experiences abroad. While overseas, they experienced exotic food and diverse lifestyles and saw sights ranging from Machu Picchu in Peru to the Eiffel Tower in France. TCU students travel to Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and other destinations through the study abroad program. Twenty-eight percent of this year's seniors have studied abroad.

Strategic communication major Mckenzie Zieser

Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

Destination: Seville, Spain

Time: Spring 2010

MEN'S BASKETBALL

The men's basketball team will take on Northern Iowa Saturday at home with a 6-2 record and a chance to achieve its best record after nine games since the 2000-01 season.

After defeating Prairie View A&M 78-61 on Wednesday, TCU improved to 5-0 at home for the first time since the 2000-01 season.

Northern Iowa is coming off of a 60-54 win against Iowa State. The Panthers are now 3-2 for the season.

SWIMMING & DIVING

What's after graduation?

Alex Ferguson, a finance major from Fort Worth

"I will be working for the Burleson [Area] Chamber of Commerce as the director of community outreach. I started a youth initiative and plan on being there for at least a year to see the changes through and leave a positive impact on the community."

Katlin Beecherl, an interior design major from Dallas

What would you consider to be the killer job?

"Playing center in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys."

Josh Vernon, Irving; communications major with a minor in educational studies

"Playing in the league [NFL]."

Wayne Daniels, Kilgore; general studies major with an emphasis in communication

"Being a kindergarten teacher and working with young children everyday."

Sarah Schmidt, Fort Worth; education major

While the main focus of the university's move to the Big East Conference has been the effects it will have on the athletic programs, other departments on campus are anticipating impacts as well.

Sports Broadcasting Program Director Charles LaMendola said students majoring in sports broadcasting who have gained experience by filming, directing and working production for university athletic events aired on The Mtn. will have to shift gears to accommodate the Big East.