Commencement

Candidates - Guests - Volunteers

We are delighted to welcome parents, family and guests to Florida Gulf Coast University commencement to honor our graduates! This information will serve as a guide to both candidates and guests, as no rehearsal is conducted. Rehearsal Video

Check out the 2018 Commencement Handbook!

2018 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

Fall Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 16th, 2018
(9 am and 1 pm)

• Apply to Graduate via Gulfline starts on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 10AM, deadline, Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 5PM.  Applying to graduate instructions.
• Required RSVP starts on September 4, 2018 at 10AM, and ends on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 5PM. RSVP can only be completed via Gulfline.
• Tickets will be available for pick-up at the Alico Arena Box Office, Monday- Friday, 9AM-5PM, begining on November 6, 2018 - December 7, 2018.  Any unclaimed tickets will be available from December 10th - 14th (first come, first served).  The Box Office will not be open on Commencement Day.  Overflow room will be located on the 2nd floor of the Cohen Center.

2019 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

Spring Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 (tentative) (times TBD)

• Apply to Graduate via Gulfline starts on Sunday, July 15th, 2018 at 10AM, deadline, Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 5PM.  Applying to graduate instructions.
• Required RSVP starts on January 22, 2019 at 10AM, and ends on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 5PM. RSVP can only be completed via Gulfline.
• Tickets will be available for pick-up at the Alico Arena Box Office, Monday- Friday, 9AM-5PM, Monday, April 1, 2019 thru Friday, May 3, 2019 (tentative).  

Graduating Seniors - Don't Forget:

Please update your contact information so we can share information after graduation.

*Updating your information through the Alumni office does not automatically update your information through the Registrar’s office.  Obtain a Change of Address and/or Change of Name Form on the Registrar’s website.

Important Note:

Please review your tickets for the correct time when picking them up at the Alico Arena Box Office. Tickets can not be used for any other ceremony that day. Students can only pick up their reserved guest tickets. Graduating students can pick up a limited number of unclaimed tickets only available 1 hour before their assigned ceremony at the Alico Arena Box Office on a first come, first serve basis. 

Graduation and Commencement are two separate functions, and have separate applications. You must apply to graduate in order to receive your degree and diploma; however you do not have to physically attend the Commencement ceremony. If you do plan on attending the Spring, Summer or Fall Commencement, you must apply via GULFLINE by the semester's deadlines noted above under 'Important Deadlines'.

Because of growing demand and limited space, it is necessary to strictly adhere to deadlines concerning participation in FGCU Commencements. Your cooperation is needed to ensure you do not miss this opportunity!

TO: All attendees of the graduation ceremonies

Florida Gulf Coast University congratulate all graduating seniors. We want this commencement to be a very proud, memorable, and pleasant occasion for all attendees, including graduates, family and friends.

We have been advised that some among our graduates have allergic reactions to latex and strong chemical fragrances. Therefore, in an effort to provide the most comfortable experience for all participants and guests, we also ask that attendees refrain from the use of latex and scented fragrances during the Commencement ceremonies. Alico Arena currently has a policy prohibiting balloons in the arena and will not allow them to be brought into the arena for the commencement ceremony.

Thank you for your cooperation.