Schedule

Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Q: What is the difference between “graduation” and “Commencement”?

A: Commencement is a ceremony, traditionally held at the end of Spring Term every year to recognize your academic accomplishments. This is the ceremony during which you cross the stage in your cap and gown.

Graduation is a records process, completed by college staff members, that officially awards degrees and certificates to students who meet all graduation requirements. At the end of each term, students that meet all requirements will automatically be awarded their degree or certificate in the graduation process. 

Q: What does Commencement 2025 include?

A: The Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition to the Ceremony, we will host a Grad Bash event at our South Campus on May 3 where family and friends are invited to share in the celebration with you.

Q: What is Grad Bash?

A: Grad Bash is an in-person celebration at South Campus where graduates and their families can enjoy a special event with giveaways, graduate activities and an opportunity for group pictures. Graduates can decorate their caps, connect with our Alumni Association, meet with bachelor’s and workforce program representatives, receive Honors/Military cords and complete early check in with Student Records.

Q: When is Grad Bash?

A: Grad Bash will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at FSCJ South Campus.

Q: When will my transcripts reflect my graduation status?

A: The degree message will be reflected on students’ transcripts on May 22, 2025.

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates within 12 weeks of May 22, 2025.

Q: Who can participate in Commencement?

A: To participate in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, students must have earned an Associate Degree, Baccalaureate degree or high school diploma through FSCJ Adult Education in the summer or fall of 2024, or the spring of 2025.

Q: What are the important dates I need to know?

A: February 10 – Commencement registration opens. Students must register in myFSCJ by updating their RSVP to "Yes" or "No" for participation in the in-person Ceremony at the Arena and/or Grad Bash.

March 28 – Last day to register in myFSCJ to participate in Grad Bash or the Commencement Ceremony and have your name included in the official Commencement program.

Q: What are the exact steps I need to follow?

1. Log in to your myFSCJ account.
2. On the Student Center page, click the "Academic Progress & My Advisor" tile.
3. Click on "Commencement RSVP Status" on the left-hand side of the page.
4. Click "Update Commencement RSVP."
5. Select "Yes" or "No" to confirm your participation in the ceremony at the Arena.
6. Next, either confirm your attendance at Grad Bash, or confirm you will not participate in Grad Bash and will attend only the ceremony.
7. Now that you will be an FSCJ alum, be sure to select "Yes" to Alumni Communications so we can stay connected with you and share important alumni benefits information and the exciting things going on at the College.
8. After you make your selections, be sure to hit "OK" to submit your registration. If you don't hit "submit" you will not be included in the ceremony. You will receive an automated email confirming your registration.

Q: When can I purchase my cap and gown?

A: Caps and gowns will be provided this year at no cost to graduates who register to participate in Commencement 2025 by March 28. The color of the cap and gown has changed for this year, so you will need to follow the steps below to complete your order. Be sure you carefully fill out the information so you receive your regalia in time.

1. Go to the Herff Jones Website. Type Florida State College at Jacksonville in the "Search your school" box.
2. For the next dropdown box, select which degree or diploma you are receiving.
3. The ceremony date is already included for you.
4. Select which degree type you will be receiving at Commencement. Then click "Shop".
5. On the next page, click on the "Cap & Gown" tab. Enter your first and last name.
6. Under Area of Study, select Associate-All Subjects if you are receiving your associate degree, Bachelor-All Subjects if you are receiving your bachelor’s degree or Adult Education if you are receiving your adult education diploma.
7. Select your height and weight range and click "Add to Cart".
8. Once you are in the cart, click "checkout".
9. Under Billing Information, enter the address where you wish to have your regalia shipped. Under Shipping Information, select the box that says “Billing information is the same as Shipping.”
10. Hit "Continue," confirm the address is correct, select the circle button and hit "Continue" again.
11. Review your order and then select "Complete Order".
12. All regalia must be ordered by Friday, March 28.

Q: What is Commencement etiquette?

A: Participants should arrive at the Arena at 2 p.m. for check-in. Friends and family may enter the Arena at 2:30 p.m. The Ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. and is expected to end at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The Ceremony is important to all participants. Participants are expected to stay for the duration of the event. If you are unable to stay for the full event, including the Ceremony and remaining with the graduates through the recessional, you are asked not to attend the Ceremony. Family and friends are requested to stay for the entire Ceremony as well.

Q: What stoles or cords are permitted to be worn at Commencement?

A: Stoles are typically associated with specific academic groups represented within the College such as Mu Alpha Theta, Phi Theta Kappa and various other groups. Cords represent honors, military affiliation, dual enrollment, etc. If you are a member of these organizations and/or qualify for any of the cords mentioned, then you may wear those at Commencement. Please check with the FSCJ representative/liaison for the group to which you belong for guidance. Personal stoles or cords are not allowed.

Q: If I need assistance registering for Commencement in myFSCJ, what do I do?

A: Open a Help Desk ticket at help.fscj.edu for online assistance using these fields – Category: myFSCJ- Student, Subcategory: Student Records.

Q: Can my friends and family come to the Ceremony?

A: Yes, this is not a ticketed event and admission is free; however, there are no reserved or saved seats and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Please keep in mind that there is a fee for parking in the lots surrounding the Arena. Carpooling is recommended.

Q: Is there a rehearsal?

A: No.

Q: How are participants seated?

A: Participants will be seated by event staff after check-in, based on their degree type. Participants are expected to remain for the duration of the Ceremony.

Q: How will the announcer know when to say my name?

A: Your name will be called as you present your name card to the reader before you cross the stage. Graduates who believe that the readers may have trouble pronouncing their names can spell their names phonetically on the card.

Q: Will my name appear in the Commencement program?

A: Only students who have registered to participate in the Commencement Ceremony by March 28 will be included in the Commencement program.

Q: Will my honors designation be included in the program?

A: The Commencement program will recognize students who register for the Ceremony and are graduating with honors. Since the Commencement program is printed before Spring Term grades are recorded, honors designations for Spring Term ceremony participants are identified based on their cumulative GPA as of March 28, 2025. Summer and Fall 2024 Term participants are identified based on their cumulative GPA at the time of their graduation.

If your spring 2025 grades drop your GPA below the requirements for honors designation, honors status will not be reflected on your final diploma or transcript.

Q: Do honors students get cords for graduation?

A: Honors cords will be distributed at Grad Bash and/or when you check-in at the Arena on May 7.

Q: Is there an official photographer at Commencement?

A: Official photographers will take your picture as you approach the stage and as you make your way back to your seat. Proofs will be emailed and/or mailed to you. The information you provide on your name card is where you will receive your proofs. Purchasing information will be included with the proof that will be emailed and/or mailed to your listed address.

Q: What time should I arrive at the Arena?

A: Doors open at 2 p.m. for participants to begin check-in. Check-in closes at 3:05 p.m., so participants should arrive no later than 2:45 p.m. Doors open for friends and family at 2:30 p.m.

Q: Approximately how long will the Ceremony last?

A: The length of the Ceremony varies based on the number of participants, but should be completed by 6:30 p.m. All participants are expected to remain for the duration of the Ceremony and will not be permitted to exit the floor early.

Q: Where can I purchase announcements?

A: Announcements can be ordered online from the FSCJ Bookstore website or are available in-store from the campus/center bookstores. Neither announcements nor tickets are required for admission to the Arena.

Q: What is recommended attire and footwear?

A: Attire for participants should reflect the formal nature of the Commencement Ceremony.

Shoes for both men and women should be dressy, but comfortable. Please note that you will be walking up and down stairs at the stage, and you will be walking or standing during the procession and recession. Make sure your shoes allow you to walk quickly, stand comfortably and navigate stairs easily!

Purses along with other personal items should not be brought as there is no location to secure these items during the Ceremony. Leave them with family members or in your vehicle. Participants will need to have their hands free for moving their tassel when directed, shaking hands as they cross the stage and holding their diploma cover.

Mortarboards (caps) should sit squarely on top of the head with the point falling in the midpoint of the forehead. Do not tilt the cap at a jaunty angle. Bobby pins can be used to secure the cap.

Phones are welcome, but should be kept on silent. Printed programs will only be available to spectators, so you’ll need to take a photo of the Commencement program (posted throughout the Arena) to follow along with the order of events. Also, we encourage you to post your Commencement photos to social media using #fscjgrad2025.

Q: How do I request accommodations to participate in the Commencement Ceremony under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

A: FSCJ encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Graduates requiring accommodation can make their request when completing the online registration to attend the Commencement Ceremony or via this form. Family members who require ADA accommodation to attend Commencement can make their request by emailing accommodateme@fscj.edu.

Q: Can I decorate my cap?

A: Yes. This is a great way to share your excitement about this momentous occasion. Have fun with it! You can also decorate your cap at Grad Bash.

Q: Will the Ceremony be available online?

A: Yes. The Ceremony will be streamed live at live.fscj.edu. Your friends and family can also follow along on social media by using the hashtag #fscjgrad2025.

Download FAQs

Full Graduate list will be posted here following May 7, 2025