There is an episode of ABC's "Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place," in which the character Sharon Carter, played by Traylor Howard, learns she did not graduate from college because she owes $210 in parking fines.
The episode follows her as she tries to figure out how to pay the fines and gain her diploma.
These fears can be more than just nighttime comedy, but The University of Memphis has set up cushions to try to keep Carter's nightmare away from this campus.
Dannise Scott, a University of Memphis alumnus, who graduated in the spring of 2005, said her graduation path had few kinks. The only notice she received was a ticket for $5 she paid long in advance of her graduation day.
A graduation checklist on The University of Memphis Web site says, "Clear all indebtedness through the Bursar's office."
It also says, "Transcripts and diplomas will be held until you are free of debt to The University."
According to William C. Stewart, accounting manager of student accounts at the bursar's office, there are consequences to not paying fines and other debts to The University, but none would cause students to hang up their caps and gowns.
"Outstanding fees and/or fines do not prevent a student from graduating," Stewart said. "However, any type of outstanding debt does place a 'financial hold' on their grades, transcripts, diplomas, etc. as required by Tennessee state law."
Stewart said the bursar's office sends out e-statements around the middle of the month reminding students of any debt.
"Payment via the Web through e-bursar is the most convenient," Stewart said. "The Bursar's Office does accept payments at our Student Financial Services windows or by mail with checks, money orders, cash and credit card (Visa, MC and Discover)."
Frankie Perry, billing associate with The University of Memphis Libraries, said students who are graduating may incur library fines that roll over to the bursar. However, these fines will not keep the student from graduating.
Perry said in many cases the student returns the book before graduation, and the fines are not reported to the bursar in enough time to show up on their pre-graduation account.
If by some chance The University of Memphis Libraries make a mistake while processing library fines, they will go the extra mile to make sure the student does not suffer the repercussions, Perry said.
Another fear among graduating seniors is failing the course they put off every semester.
Gary Edwards, an instructor of history at The University of Memphis, said the liberal arts college he graduated from in Texas required everyone to take an intro to physical education course.
Edwards said the hardest part of the class was treading water for five minutes. He said if a student could not pass every part of the course they failed it.
Edwards said many students who could not swim would put the class off until their senior year and would sometimes flunk the course, causing them to wait around another semester to graduate.
Regardless of what standing a student has at The University of Memphis, it would be a good idea for them to access http://bf.memphis.edu/ebursar/ just to make sure they are in good standing.
No one wants to end up like Sharon Carter.
