Commencement Handbook - Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL

We know that you and your family are very interested in information regarding Florida Southern College’s Spring Commencement plans. After researching information related to holding large events during the pandemic, including the State of Florida’s guidelines on graduation ceremonies, we are so happy to announce that the 2021 Spring Commencement will be a modified in-person ceremony. It will take place on Saturday, May 15. The time and the number of guests will be communicated at a later date. Read More about the commencement plans

Application for Graduation

Students planning to graduate must complete an Application for Graduation form with the Registrar’s office the semester prior to the time they think they may graduate.

When this application is processed and a graduation check is completed, the graduate’s name is placed on the graduation list and will receive all communications regarding commencement. This application gives graduates the opportunity to state how they want their name to read on their diploma.

The Graduation Fee is $60.00. This fee covers academic costs associated with commencement, including preparation of diplomas. This fee does not cover purchase of caps and gowns. These are purchased directly through the bookstore.

Application Deadlines

Application for Spring - December 15
Application for Summer - March 15
Application for Winter - April 15

Students planning to graduate should ensure that all the requirements have been met for graduation

Graduation Application

Log onto the FSC Portal to fill out the Graduation Application online.

Apply for Graduation

Graduation fees are paid on the FSC Portal as well.

Hotels

Special room rates may be available at some area hotels. You must identify yourself as part of the Florida Southern College commencement events to receive these special rates if they are offered.

Learn More

Graduation Requirements

Grad Check

Students planning to graduate should complete a Graduation Check with the Registrar’s Office to be sure they meet all the academic requirements for graduation. This should be done at the beginning of the semester prior to the student’s anticipated graduation. Students who have not had a graduation check appointment should contact the Registrar’s office at 863.680.4127 to schedule an appointment.

Convocation

Students in the Lakeland day program are required to attend all convocations for each semester they are enrolled at Florida Southern College as a full-time undergraduate student, except for the semester of their graduation. A student who does not attend convocation or the convocation encore the following week, will have a fine of $100 automatically assessed to their student account. Questions about convocation status should be addressed by contacting the Office of Student Development at 863.680.4206.

Student Accounts and Library Books and Materials

A graduate should check with the business office and library to make sure all bills are paid and library books and materials are returned. A graduate who owes money may be allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies but will not receive their diploma or transcripts until all accounts are paid.

Graduate Survey

Graduates are expected to complete an online graduation survey to confirm their major, address, campus activities, and future plans. When the survey becomes available, the graduate will receive an email with login information. Winter graduates may expect to receive the email to the online survey beginning in early November. Spring graduates will receive the survey in early March. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Institutional Research.

Order Caps and Gowns, Announcements and Class Rings

Caps and gowns are required for commencement and are purchased through the Campus Bookstore. Graduation announcements and class rings also may be ordered at that time. Payment is required when your order is placed.

Information about delivery and/or pick up times for graduation purchases is provided by the bookstore. For questions, please call the bookstore at 863.680.4186.

Herff Jones, the provider of these products, will send an information packet with purchase details to each graduate’s permanent address.

Campus Bookstore

For the convenience of our graduates and their families and guests, the campus bookstore will be open on graduation days from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The bookstore will have a table set up at each commencement featuring regalia for those graduates who need assistance with their commencement attire. Gift items will also be available for purchase.

The bookstore is open during the week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It features FSC apparel and many items suitable for commencement gift giving. Shop online for a complete selection of Florida Southern gifts at the Campus Bookstore.

Commencement Ceremony

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.

Tickets

Children

Children under 2 years old do not require a ticket to attend the commencement pending they are to sit on the laps of one of the guest.

Seating

Guest will be seated by ushers. Seats are not to be moved in areas of non-fixed seating. Each set of ticketed guests must sit together.

Handicapped Seating

There will be specially designated handicapped seating. Guests needing handicapped seating will still need a ticket to attend.

Graduates with Physical Disabilities

Graduating seniors with physical disabilities should contact the Office of the Provost at 863.680.4124 as soon as possible so proper accommodations may be made.

Parking

Parking for commencement on the Florida Southern campus is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis in any campus parking lot.

Commencement Parking

Length of Ceremony

The commencement ceremony is expected to last one to one and a half hours.

After Graduation

Career Assistance

The Career Center provides assistance with resumes, cover letters, and interview strategies. The Career Center subscribes to College Central Network which allows graduates to share their resumes with employers around the world. Visit the Office of Career Services to access resources that help recent graduates find employment.

Campus E-mail and Campus Mailbox

E-mail Address

Graduates with a college e-mail address ending in @mocs.flsouthern.edu will be able to keep this FSC e-mail account for life as long as they continue to use the account. Other campus e-mail addresses are discontinued approximately one month after graduation.

Campus Mailbox

All students with a campus mailbox should turn in their mailbox keys to the campus post office before graduation. If a key is lost, a fee will be charged to the student’s account. When turning in the key, the graduate will complete a form providing a forwarding address. As soon as the mailbox key is returned and the forwarding address is available, the campus post office will begin forwarding mail.

Alumni Services for Graduates

To learn about the numerous services and benefits available to alumni, please visit the alumni page on our website, or contact alumni@flsouthern.edu, or call 863.680.4110.