Schedule

Thursday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Download the 2024 Commencement Ceremony Order of Program

Q: What is the difference between “graduation” and “Commencement? ”
A: Commencement is a ceremony, traditionally held at the end of Spring term every year and during which your academic accomplishments are recognized. 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: When will my transcripts reflect my graduation status?
A: Dates

• 5/23/2024: The degree message will be reflected on students’ transcripts
• Within 12 weeks after 5/23/2024: Diplomas will be mailed to students

Q: Who can participate in the Commencement ceremony?
A: To participate in the 2024 Commencement Ceremony, students must have earned an Associate or Baccalaureate degree in the Summer or Fall of 2023, or the Spring of 2024.
Please Note: Students who have earned high school equivalency and/or diplomas will be honored in a separate ceremony.

Q: What are the important dates I need to know?
A: February 15 – Commencement Registration opens. Students must register in myFSCJ by updating their RSVP to Yes or No for participating in the in-person ceremony at the Arena and/or a Grad Fest event.
March 28 – Last day to register in myFSCJ to participate in a Grad Fest event or the Commencement Ceremony at the arena.

Q: What does Commencement 2024 include?
A: We will hold an in-person Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition to the ceremony, we will host on-campus Grad Fest events during April and May where family and friends are invited to share in this moment with you.

Q: What are Grad Fest events?
A: Grad Fest events are in-person celebrations at our four campuses and the Nassau Center 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. Graduates may only participate in one Grad Fest event.

Q: When are Grad Fest events?
A: Downtown Campus: April 29, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Kent Campus: April 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nassau Center: May 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
North Campus: May 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
South Campus: May 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

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 a Grad Fest at a campus of your choice, or confirm you will not participate in a Grad Fest event and will attend only the ceremony. You may only attend one Grad Fest. You MUST reserve the date/location you will attend. Do not skip this step.
7. 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 students who register by March 28 to participate in Commencement 2024. Follow the steps below to complete your order. Be sure you carefully fill out the information so you will 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 Degree Ceremony.
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, or Bachelor-All subjects if you are receiving your bachelor’s degree.
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. In the right column, 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.

All regalia must be ordered by Friday, March 29.

Q: What is Commencement etiquette?
A: Participants should arrive at the Arena at 2 p.m. Friends and family will not be allowed to enter the Arena prior to 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, from the very first across the stage to the very last. Participants are expected to stay for the duration of the ceremony. If you are unable to stay and support your fellow participants, please do not attend the ceremony. Participants are expected to remain with the graduates throughout the ceremony before participating in the recessional. Family and friends are also requested to remain for the entire ceremony.

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, and admission is free; however, 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.

Q: Is there a rehearsal?
A: No.

Q: How are participants seated?
A: Participants will be seated by event staff after check-in. Participants will be seated based on their degree type. Participants are expected to remain for the duration of the entire ceremony.

Q: How will they know when to say my name?
A: Your name will be called by presenting your name card to the reader as you cross the stage. Students 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?
Students who have registered to participate in the Commencement ceremony by March 28 will be included in the Commencement program.

Q: Will I be listed as honors in the program?
A: The Commencement program will recognize students who register for the ceremony who 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, 2024. Summer and Fall 2023 Term participants are identified based on their cumulative GPA at the time of their graduation.

If your Spring 2024 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 the Grad Fest events and/or when students check-in at the Arena on May 9.

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 3:15 p.m., so participants should arrive no later than 3 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 graduation 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 and navigate stairs easily!
Purses should not be brought, along with other personal items, 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 the tassel when directed, shaking hands and holding the 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. You’ll need to take a photo of the commencement program in order to follow along with the order of events since printed programs will only be available to spectators until after the ceremony. Also, we encourage you to post your commencement photos to social media using #fscjgrad2024.

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. Family members who require ADA accommodation to participate in Commencement can make their request through this link.

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! Remember, you can also decorate your cap at one of our Grad Fest events.

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 #fscjgrad2024.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for about the 2024 Commencement ceremony in the FAQ above, please email [email protected].

Download Program

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