Commencement Ceremony Information

Arrival & Assembly

• Please plan to arrive by 1:30 p.m. for a review of the ceremony instructions.
• Upon arrival, graduates may enter through the Edward Street Entrance.
• Each graduate will pick-up his/her reader card at tables located behind the stage. Reader cards are printed with your name, program, honors (if applicable), and seat number.
• Once you receive your reader card, please complete the contact information section on the back for the photographer.
• Your reader card should be carried by you until it is given to the announcer before crossing the stage.
• Be sure you have your reader card with you before you begin the procession.
• Extra caps and gowns will be brought to the ceremony if yours needs to be replaced so please see a university staff member if you have an issue. Please note that there will be a limited amount of extra caps and gowns at the ceremony; if there are problems with your cap and/or gown 4 days or more prior to the ceremony, please come to the Fort Myers campus to speak with the Office of Auxiliary Services about a replacement cap and/or gown.

Dress Code and Conduct

• Please come ready to shine!
• You are expected to wear the full academic dress (cap, gown & honor cord or master’s hood, if applicable) for the duration of the graduation ceremony.
• Graduates will put on their caps and gowns after arriving at Hertz Arena. Staff will be available to help.
• Please leave all valuables and personal items with family, friends or guests.
• Attire traditionally worn with the gown:
• Men — dress shirt with collar, dark slacks, plain dark tie, and black shoes.
• Women — dark dress, or skirt or pants and blouse, with black, closed-toed shoes. High-heel shoes are not recommended. Flip-flops, tennis shoes, and white shoes should not be worn.
• If need be, please press your gown with a cool iron.
• The cap should lie flat with the tassel hanging on the front right side. Graduates should be careful not to let the tassel interfere while photographs are being taken.
• If applicable, honor cords should be worn around the neck with tassels hanging down from each side. Honor cords will be distributed according to university policy:
• Silver & Red for summa cum laude (3.90-4.0 GGPA);
• Double Red for magna cum laude (3.76-3.89 GGPA); or
• Double Silver for cum laude (3.50-3.75 GGPA).
• The university makes every attempt to plan and conduct a meaningful, dignified ceremony. The recognition of your academic achievements should be observed with respect. Disorderly conduct, rowdiness, or the presence of alcohol or drugs will be grounds for immediate removal.
• Graduates are advised to use the restroom facilities prior to the start of the ceremony, as you will not be permitted to leave your seats once the ceremony begins.
• Graduates are required to remain seated throughout the program.