Commencement
University Commencement
Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work—a celebration of everything our graduates have accomplished and the bright futures ahead. Florida Polytechnic University holds one ceremony each May for spring, summer, and fall graduates.
Graduation Info
Stay Informed
Important dates and updates will be shared via the Weekly Phoenix and through emails from the Office of the University Registrar.
More info will be coming soon!
Key Deadlines
January 21 – Registration opens for Spring 2026 Commencement
March 9 – Deadline to submit Commencement Participation Form
March 13 – Regalia (cap/gown) order deadline
Commencement Participation
Eligible participants: Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 degree candidates (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
- Complete the Commencement Participation Form by March 9, 5 PM.
- Confirmation will be sent to your Florida Poly email once eligibility is verified.
- Summer candidates must register for remaining courses before participating.
Questions? Email graduation@floridapoly.edu.
Arrival & Check-In
- Parking: Orange or Red lots; enter through Entrance 2.
- Check-in: Exhibit Hall West, opens 12:30 PM. Deadline: 1:15 PM.
- You will receive your seating assignment and reader card at check-in. The reader card must be kept with you at all times as it will be given to the name reader before the graduate walks across the stage.
Regalia & Apparel
Cap & Gown
Required (ordered through GraduationSource by Mar. 13).
Tassels
Bachelor’s → start on right, move to left when directed.
Master’s → worn on left.
Accessories
Only pre-approved cords, stoles, and pins may be worn. Other approved items:
- ASGA Graduation Cord – (Student Government Association)
- Chess Club Order of the Board Pin – Chess Club
- Chess Club Order of the Knight Pin – Chess Club
- Graduate 4+1 Stole – (Graduate Program)
- Gratitude Stole – (HerffJones)
- Honors Cord (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude) – (Registrar’s Office)
- IEEE HKN Cord (IEEE-HKN Student Organization)
- International Student Pin – (Registrar’s Office)
- Order of the Engineer Ring
- Philanthropy Cord – (Alumni Affairs)
- Presidential Ambassador Medallion
- SGA Leadership Stole – (Student Government Association)
- SGA Service Medal – (Student Government Association)
- SWE Pin – (Society of Women Engineers)
- The Society of Hispanic & Professional Engineers (SHPE) Lapel Pin (SHPE Student Organization)
Dress Code
Semi-formal attire under gowns; recommended:
- Top: A collared shirt, blouse, or semi-formal dress. Consider a tie if wearing a collared shirt for an extra touch.
- Bottom: Slacks or a skirt. If choosing a long skirt, consider how the length of the skirt aligns with the length of the graduation gown.
- Footwear: Avoid shoes that are too casual. Dress shoes, two-inch block heels, or wedges are recommended.
Cap Decorations
Allowed if appropriate and not distracting. Gowns may not be altered.
Diplomas
You’ll receive a diploma cover on stage.
Diplomas are mailed after final degree conferral.
Photos & Memories
Official Photographer: Grad Images will capture stage photos; order link will be emailed.
Merchandise:
Alumni clothing and gifts → Florida Poly Bookstore
Yard signs → FASTSIGNS of Lakeland
Senior Class Gift: Commemorative brick, tumblers, and alumni bundles available through the Alumni Association.
Social Media: Share your Florida Poly pride before, during, and after the ceremony by tagging your pics #FLPolyGrad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All day-of updates will be communicated via Facebook and Twitter.
Alumni
Join the Alumni Association to stay connected and support future STEM leaders.
Download your alumni digital swag for social media and devices.
Security
All guests and graduates will pass through security; clear bags recommended.
Graduates should limit personal items (no handoff to guests once seated).
Tickets
- Each graduate receives 4 digital guest tickets distributed by email.
- Every guest age 3+ requires a ticket.
- Honor cords will be distributed.
Speaker & Student Speaker Opportunity
Official Speaker
TBD
Student Speaker
Student Speaker Application – Eligible graduates can apply to deliver the student address.
The student commencement speaker is an honor, and all eligible students are invited to participate in the selection process. The details for the application and selection process will be posted soon.
Eligibility
- Be eligible for graduation.
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Commit to attend and participate fully in the commencement ceremony, including practice sessions.
- Be comfortable speaking in front of a large audience.
Speech Guidelines
- Should discuss the transformative experience the student has had at Florida Poly.
- May include examples and reflections from life and academics at Florida Poly.
- May include significant contemporary events that shaped life during the past four years.
- Should be of serious tone, with appropriate humor, joy or sorrow mixed in.
ADA Accommodations
Florida Polytechnic University and RP Funding Center makes several accommodations for persons with disabilities attending Commencement, including:
- Accessible parking around the arena
- Accessible seating in the arena (one guest may accompany any individual with the mobility impairment)
- Interpreter services (American Sign Language)
To request ADA accommodations, email ada@floridapoly.edu or call 863-874-8484 prior to April 18. Requests received after the deadline will be processed, but the University cannot guarantee those requests can be fulfilled.
Graduation Requirements
Graduating from Florida Poly is an exciting milestone—and one that requires careful planning. Students are encouraged to regularly monitor their academic progress in CAMS and meet with their Student Success Coach to stay on track.
Degree Audit
Your Degree Audit shows which requirements you’ve completed and what remains.
- Access in CAMS → Document Tracking → “REGISTRATION” section.
- Completed courses = listed with grade & term.
- In-progress courses = highlighted in yellow.
- Missing requirements = highlighted in red.
- Some course substitutions may take up to 2 weeks to appear.
When to Apply for Graduation
- Undergraduates: After earning 72+ credit hours
- Graduate students: After earning 18+ credit hours
The Registrar’s Office will notify you when it’s time to apply.
