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Graduates
a row of seated graduates looking at the ceremony program

IMPORTANT DATES

Fall 2024

Application Window: September 3 through September 13

Cap and Gown Online Order Window: TBD

Commencement Ceremonies:

  • Friday, December 13: 9:00 a.m.
  • Friday, December 13: 2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 13: 7:00 p.m.

Degrees Post to Transcripts: January 9, 2025

CEREMONY INFORMATION

Arrival. Doors open one hour before the ceremony begins. Please arrive no later than thirty minutes before the ceremony begins. All graduates must present their Grad Pass and a Photo ID to enter the Tucker Center. Plan to arrive carrying your gown. Caps can be worn before entry. You will be able to dress in your regalia when you enter.

Seating. If you RSVP to attend the ceremony, you will receive an email notification before the event that includes your seating assignment. After you find your seat, you may not walk around in the arena.

Leaving. Graduates are expected to stay for the duration of the ceremony. The ceremony will last approximately an hour and a half.

Bachelor's Candidates

  1. Use your Grad Pass to enter the Civic Center from the back lot, located on the south-side of the venue.
  2. When you arrive in the Arena, please find your seat. Your specific seat assignment would have been emailed to the week of the ceremony.
  3. Once you find your assigned seat, your name card will be on your chair. You will need to provide this card to the announcer later to announce your name.

Master's and Specialist Candidates

  1. Use your Grad Pass to enter the Civic Center from the back lot, located on the south-side of the venue.
  2. When you arrive in the Arena, please find your seat. Your specific seat assignment would have been emailed to the week of the ceremony.
  3. Once you find your assigned seat, your name card will be on your chair. You will need to provide this card to the announcer later to announce your name.
  4. Candidates should be wearing their hoods before the ceremony begins. Master's marshals can help with hoods.

Doctoral Candidates

  1. For the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m., please make arrangements for your Major Professor (or proxy) to hood you at the ceremony.
  2. Use your Grad Pass to enter the Civic Center from the back lot, located on the south-side of the venue. Doors open for students and faculty at 7:30 a.m. After entering, you will be directed to Meeting Room A and later, you will be directed out to the Arena with your Major Professor around 8:30 a.m. to find your seat before the ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m.
  3. Candidates should not be wearing their doctoral hood; rather, it should be kept in hand for later in the event.
  4. Once in the arena, please find your seat with your College.
  5. Your name card will be on your chair. You will need to provide this card to the announcer later to announce your name.

CAP & GOWN INFORMATION

Graduates are required to wear official FSU regalia available exclusively through the FSU Bookstore and online through Herff Jones. Contact the Bookstore with questions at (850) 644-0832.

Picking Up Your Cap & Gown

Your cap and gown will be shipped directly to you about three weeks after your order is placed.

At the Ceremony

Decorated caps are not permitted.

You may only wear approved cords or medallions denoting academic achievement with your regalia. For Undergraduate student, look for the Degrees of Distinction table in the Exhibit Hall at the Civic Center.

Bachelor's Candidate Tassel

Wear your tassel on the right until degrees are conferred. Move the tassel left when the President directs you to do so.

Master's and Specialist's Candidate Tassel

Wear your tassel on the left. Gowns fasten at the neck, and hoods drape down the back.

Doctoral Candidate Tassel

Wear your tassel on the left. Students should carry unbuttoned hoods on the left arm.