Commencement FAQs

Dates & Deadlines

• Commencement Application Opens: 2/1/2024.
• Priority Application Deadline: 4/10/2024. Your name will appear in the commencement program, and guest tickets will be sent to you electronically. Priority applicants will receive 3 tickets.
• Application Deadline: 4/22/2024. Your name will NOT appear in the commencement program, and guest tickets (if available) must be picked up at the Arena Box Office.

Do I have to sign up to participate in Commencement?

• Yes, if you want to participate in Commencement, you must complete the Commencement application on our website. Participation in Commencement is optional.

Application opens on 2/1/2024.

Where Will The Ceremony Be Held

• Suncoast Credit Union Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Please Find Suncoast Credit Union Arena policies located here:

• https://www.fswarena.com/prohibited-items/ - We ask that you review and share with your guests prior to Commencement Day.

Is there a fee to participate in Commencement?

• No, there is not a fee to participate in Commencement or to view the event via livestream.

Who is eligible to participate in Commencement?

• Fall 2023 Graduates
• Spring 2024 Potential Graduates
• Summer 2024 Potential Graduates
• If you have questions about your eligibility , please make an appointment to see your Academic Advisor.

If I participate in Commencement, does it mean I graduated?

• No, Commencement and graduation are different. Commencement is the ceremony; graduation means a student met all requirements for a degree or certificate.

How do I know which Ceremony to attend?

• Each participant will be notified via their FSW email of their assigned Ceremony time. Requests to alter Ceremony times cannot be honored.

How do I know if I'll be recognized for honors?

• Candidates receive honors based on their cumulative GPA at the end of the Fall semester, since all Spring grades will not have been processed prior to the Ceremonies. If you are unsure of your status, please verify with the Office of the Registrar prior to the Ceremonies. Honors designations are not read during the Ceremonies, but will be denoted in the Commencement Program.

What is a Reader Card and where do I get it?

• A Reader Card must be carried by each participant as they cross the stage. This is how we ensure your name is announced and displayed as you walk across the stage. Commencement Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up their Reader Card at one of the scheduled pickup dates and locations.
• Commencement Reader Card Pickup 2024

What about photos?

• Pre-Commencement Photos: There will be a Photo Day on Thursday, May 2nd from 8:30am - 4:30pm in the Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Sign-up is required http://www.gradimages.com/PortraitScheduling/Search?OccasionRef=193129.
• Commencement Day Photos: Professional photos will be taken as participants cross the stage on May 3rd.

What do I need to bring?

• Regalia
• Reader Card
• Official FSW Tassel (Purchased from the FSW Bookstore)

Will my name be in the Commencement Program?

• The names of participants who apply by the priority deadline will be included in the Commencement Program. The names of participants who apply after the priority deadline will NOT be included in the Commencement Program.

• Students who have placed a confidentiality hold on their records should be aware their name will be withheld from any record releases, including publication in the Commencement Program. Please contact the Office of the Registrar if you would like to update your record.

When will I receive my diploma?

• Diplomas are mailed to your home address on file in your Student Portal approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of each semester.

Contact us at graduation@fsw.edu

*Please check this page often as updates will occur as we get closer to the big day.