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:
- Fall 2025 deadline is October 17th.
- Spring 2026 deadline is March 13th.
- Summer 2026 deadline is June 11.
Meet your academic advisor to complete your 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 either purchase a cap and gown during the established cap and gown dates for each ceremony OR notify us of your intent to participate if you already have a cap and gown.
- Fall 2025 deadline is October 17
- Spring 2026 deadline is March 20
- Summer 2026 deadline to be announced
To place your order, please visit the FGC Bookstore, located in Building 14, or order online at https://www.bkstr.com/fgcstore/shop/graduation. If you order online, you can choose to have your cap and gown shipped directly to you. Your graduation guest tickets will be included with your regalia. For students who prefer in-store pickup, a cap and gown pickup date will be communicated to participating graduates. If you have any questions, please contact the Bookstore at 386-754-4320 or email 2062MGR@follett.com with any questions.
Already have a Cap and Gown?
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- Ensure the cap and gown was purchased after 2023 to ensure the correct shade and material.
- If you wish to participate in the commencement and are not placing an order with the FGC Bookstore, you must send an email before the deadline date to graduation@fgc.edu with the following information: your name, ID number, program of study, and phone number.
Commencement Ceremony Tickets
Each participating graduate shall receive an official Wolves email containing details regarding the number of guest tickets allocated to them once the participation deadlines have expired and as the date of the ceremony approaches. Only guests with tickets will be allowed into the Howard Center.
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.