The Invocation
Graduates remain standing for the entire invocation, and the national anthem. Men remove their caps during the invocation and anthem and then replace them. Women leave their caps on throughout the ceremony. Bachelor’s degree candidates wear their tassels over their right temples. Graduates are seated as a group when the anthem is completed.
Presentation of Degrees
Graduates will walk across the platform and pick up their diploma when their name is read.
Academic Honors
Academic honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) noted in the commencement program are based on final cumulative grade point averages and are explained in the current academic catalog. To be eligible for these honors within the graduating class, students must have earned 62 or more hours at Florida Southern College. CLEP, AP, transfer, transient, and other non-Florida Southern credit do not meet this requirement.
Honor Cords, Stoles, and Mortar Board Decorations
Honor cords representing specific honor societies are given to graduates by a representative of that organization. Their cost is not included in the graduation fee. Each organization is responsible for ordering the cords through the Campus Bookstore. Only authorized and registered honor societies may provide honor cords. Graduates may wear unlimited academic cords or medallions and one additional non-academic cord. In addition, the college reserves the right to prohibit decorations on mortar boards that it deems overly elaborate or inappropriate.
Dress Code for Graduates
Men are asked to wear dark trousers, dark shoes and neckties. Women are asked to wear dark clothing and dark shoes. Men are not required to wear suit coats under their robes.
Photography at Commencement
The college will take photographs of each graduate. Proofs are provided to the graduate electronically shortly after commencement, and several online opportunities are provided for purchase. During the ceremony, guests are permitted to take photographs from their seats. They are not permitted access to the stage at any time and must keep the aisles open for graduates walking to and from the platform.