Less than three weeks from today, around 800 Richmond seniors will walk across campus one last time as students, receive their diplomas in the Robins Center, flip their tassels, and become the next class of Spider alumni.

The rest of the Spider family is here to make sure our seniors are ready. Here’s some sage advice gathered from generations of Spider graduates:

1. Finish strong in your classes, then enjoy Beach Week.
   We know how academically challenging Richmond is, but you’ve made it this far and there’s no time for senioritis to creep in. Once you’ve crushed your finals, enjoy the chance to breathe — alongside the friends you’ve spent the last four years with.
2. Don’t miss Candlelight.
   This ceremony around Westhampton Lake is one of the most meaningful traditions we celebrate during the rush of Commencement weekend. Reflect on your time at UR and enjoy the incredibly special community surrounding you. The friendships you formed here will last beyond your years around the lake.
3. Enjoy Commencement.
   The blur of family, friends, smiles, and tears are a time-honored part of any Richmond journey. Savor each second of it, and take plenty of photos! You’re the latest people to follow in the steps of generations of graduates before you. Be proud of that! In the lead up to the weekend, find any information you need on UR’s Commencement website.
4. Make the most of being part of the Spider Alumni Network.
   As a Richmond graduate, you’re automatically part of the family. Connect with Spiders wherever you may roam through regional groups and events. There are no membership dues, and plenty of perks, including receiving our award-winning University of Richmond Magazine.
5. You’re getting a bigger career network.
   Your career network just got 50,000 people larger. Spiders are known for helping each other, whether adjusting to life in a new city or exploring careers after Richmond. Plus, Career Services is still available to you after you graduate.
6. Come back soon.
   You’ll always be a part of the Spider family, and we like to celebrate you pretty regularly, whether at Reunion Weekend or during Homecoming. Consider this a standing invitation to come back and hit the bricks anytime.
7. Write home and stay connected!
   Make sure you’re following UR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and don’t forget to update your contact info once you leave campus! That way you’ll stay in the know with what’s happening back here at UR — like details for future Homecomings and other big events, both on campus and around the country.
8. Give back!
   There are so many great ways to give back to the Richmond community. Consider volunteering as part of our alumni recruitment committee, for your future class reunion committees, or by offering shadowing, internship, and career opportunities to the next generation of Spiders. Your financial support of the University, no matter the amount, helps ensure future generations of Spiders benefit from the same experience you enjoyed. For more compelling reasons to give, read senior Maggie Moroney's recent op/ed for The Collegian about the senior class legacy gift.

We’re so proud and excited for you, Class of 2017! We hope you make the most of all the resources available to you once you graduate and, most importantly, that you celebrate all of the fun, friendships, and moments that are why being a Spider is so special. Congrats!