By Abby Cloud
Happy 100 days until graduation, ‘Noles! This is a huge milestone for every student’s college career— one they have most likely been waiting for for years. While this is a time for celebration, this is also a time to make sure your student has all the loose ends tied up so everything can run smoothly when graduation approaches later this semester.
Apply for graduation. Hopefully, your student is aware of the application process required for graduation, but if they haven’t applied yet, this application window is closing soon. Students must apply for graduation between January 13-24, which ends in two days. For help with applying, students can visit the How to Apply for Graduation page.
Request a University Academic Progress Check. The University makes note that this is not the same as applying for graduation and that students must request a University Academic Progress Check as part of the graduation process. Students will have a hold on their account until they have requested this progress check. After their request has been reviewed by Graduation Services, students will receive an email and a link on the request page lets you download your report. For more information about the University Academic Progress Check, visit the Graduation Checklist page.
Order your cap and gown. Students can begin ordering their cap and gown as early as January 10, and through March 13. This is a large window available for students to order their caps and gowns, but make sure it doesn’t sneak up on them because a late fee will be applied to those who order after March 13. Additionally, the University states that students cannot wear “borrowed regalia” or anything purchased from “alternative vendors.” To learn more about cap and gown orders, check out the Cap and Gown page.
Attend Grad Fair. February 3-5, the FSU Bookstore will host their semesterly Grad Fair. From 11am-4pm, students will be able to speak with a Herff Jones representative for help regarding cap and gown orders, ring orders, and more.
Request graduation tickets for guests. This is an important step in the graduation process you won’t want your student to miss. In order for guests to attend graduation, your student must request tickets for their guests. Students can request up to 6 tickets once they have completed their online RSVP through Marching Order. If your family is unable to make it, the ceremonies are live streamed as well. For more information, you can visit the Graduation Tickets page.
Know when your graduation ceremony will take place. Florida State is home to a vast amount of students, so graduation happens over the course of two days, at four different times. For Spring 2020, graduation ceremonies will take place at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on the following days:
Friday, May 1, 2020 at 2:00pm
Friday, May 1, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 9:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 2:00pm
The various colleges are separated between the four days. To find out when your student’s ceremony is taking place, visit the Commencement Schedule by College page and find the Spring 2020 Ceremony Schedule.
While these are just some steps students must take in order to graduate, your student will need to monitor announcements and due dates associated with Spring 2020 graduation. For additional information regarding graduation, you can visit the University Registrar’s Graduation website.
Graphic courtesy of the FSU Alumni Association.