Graduation Information
Graduation Information
To officially graduate and receive your diploma or certificate, all students must apply for graduation. Applying for graduation does not automatically register you for commencement. There are additional steps needed to participate in commencement. FGC hosts a formal commencement ceremony each semester (fall, spring and summer) to honor graduates. This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate your hard work with family, friends, faculty, and fellow students.
1. Submit your Graduation Application (Degree Conferral)
A graduation application is required to be on file in the Registration and Records office. Applying for graduation does not automatically register you for commencement. Your application will be reviewed for degree conferral at the end of term. There are established graduation applications deadlines to ensure your name is included in the printed commencement program:
- Spring 2026 deadline is March 13th.
- Summer 2026 deadline is June 11.
Meet your academic advisor to complete your graduation application.
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor
- During this meeting, you will complete your graduation application, have it signed by your advisor, and your advisor will submit it. If you are unsure who your assigned advisor is, please contact General Advising at 386-754-4222.
Your application will be reviewed after the semester in which you are graduating. Once your requirements are confirmed, your degree or certificate will be awarded. Digital and printed diplomas will be provided four to six weeks following the semester of completion.
* Note: Office of Registration & Records must receive your graduation application by the published deadline found on the Academic Calendar for your name to be included in the printed commencement program.
2. Participate in Commencement
Students must purchase a cap and gown during the established cap and gown dates for each ceremony to participate in commencement.
- Spring 2026 deadline is March 13
- Summer 2026 deadline to be announced
To place your order, visit www.herffjones.com/college/graduation:
- Select Florida Gateway College
- Select whether you are a Bachelor, Associate or Certificate student (bachelor students will receive black gowns, others will receive green)
- Select pick up in bookstore or ship to your home, and then select shop
- Click on the Cap and Gawn tab and complete your order
If you have any questions, please contact us at 386-754-4286 or email graduation@fgc.edu
For review and approval to use a cap and gown previously ordered for an FGC Commencement, you must email graduation@fgc.edu by the established cap and gown deadline.
Commencement Ceremony Tickets
Each participating graduate will receive an official Wolves email at the beginning of April announcing that ceremony registration is open and how many guest tickets will be available to you. You will be able to register for either the morning or afternoon ceremony on a first come, first serve basis. Each ceremony will have a capacity limit, but together will accommodate all graduates.
Class of Spring 2026
FGC’s Spring Commencement Ceremonies will be held at 10 am and 1:30 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026 in the Howard Center.
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- The commencement ceremony will be live-streamed on the FGC YouTube channel on the day of graduation.
Arrival
- Students arrive at the Wilson S. Rivers Library in your cap and gown.
- Upon arrival at the Wilson S. Rivers Library, collect your name card at the check-in table located in the atrium, and proceed to line up within the library.
- You will present your name card to the speaker when you cross the stage for your name and degree announcement. Your name card should include:
- Your Name
- The phonetic spelling of your name, for accurate pronunciation.
- A distinguishing honor (if applicable)
- We recommend that guests arrive one hour prior to the graduation ceremony to ensure ample time for parking and entry into the Howard Center.
- Guest seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.