comma before present participle: student at OU graduating in 2013

[bball909]

Do I need a comma to separate the particple in this sentence?

I am a chemistry student at Open University graduating in 2013 or

I am a chemistry student at Open University, graduating in 2013.

According to what I read, a comma is necessary for participles at the ends of sentences referring back to an earlier noun. But the first one looks more correct. Any definitive answer?

 

[cyberpedant]

I'd prefer the comma here.

 

[JustKate]

I would too. Leaving it off isn't wrong, but I do think the comma makes the sentence a bit easier to read because it breaks up the sentence in just the right place.