• Pages

    • Graduation Procedures for
    College Commencement 

    Location: Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts

    May 8, 2025, Commencement Ceremony “A”
    Associate in Science, College Credit Certifications, Career Certificates, and State of Florida High School Diploma

    Graduates arrive at Panther Gym at 12:30 p.m.
    Theatre doors are open to the public at 12:45 p.m.
    Graduates walk from the Gym to the Wildstein Center at 1:45 p.m.
    Processional and Ceremony begin at 2 p.m.

    May 8, 2025, Commencement Ceremony “B”
    Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Graduates arrive at Panther Gym at 4 p.m.
    Theatre doors are open to the public at 4:15 p.m.
    Graduates walk from the Gym to the Wildstein Center at 5:15 p.m.
    Processional and Ceremony begin at 5:30 p.m.

    IF YOU ARE A GRADUATE PARTICIPATING IN COMMENCEMENT*, CHECK YOUR PERSONAL AND COLLEGE EMAIL INBOX FOR INFORMATION.

    Are you ready to graduate?

    Click this link and follow the directions:

    Graduation Application Closed for May, 2025.

    Graduation Application December, 2025
    Dr. Mark Bukowski and Student Speaker Maddie Charles

    Tickets

    Not required

    Regalia

    Students who plan to attend a Commencement ceremony must order their caps and gowns through the College Bookstore. Regalia MUST be purchased from the SFSC Bookstore by Friday, March 21.

    Bachelor’s Degree Program

    • Cap, Gown, and Tassel Package: $53+tax
    • Hood: $43+tax

    Associate Degree Program

    • Cap, Gown, and Tassel Package: $43+tax
    • Hood: $30+tax

    Certificates and Diplomas

    • Cap, Gown, and Tassel Package: $43+tax

    Additional tassels can be purchased for $9 plus tax each and additional caps can be purchased for $15 plus tax each. All regalia purchased is subject to sales tax. Payment is due when orders are placed. Student ID and receipt must be present to pick up regalia. For information, call the SFSC Bookstore at 863-784-7112.

    Directions

    FROM ARCADIA: Travel north on U.S. 17 to Zolfo Springs. Turn right onto State Road 64, and travel east to Avon Park. Turn right onto U.S. 27. Heading south, drive approximately 2 miles; turn left at the light at College Drive.

    FROM WAUCHULA: Travel east on East Main Street (State Road 636) to State Road 64. Continue east to Avon Park, and turn right onto U.S. 27. Heading south, drive approximately 2 miles; turn left at the light at College Drive.

    FROM I-4:  Take exit 55 onto U.S. 27, heading south towards Haines City. Continue south to Avon Park, approximately 48 miles. Continue on U.S. 27, south of downtown Avon Park, approximately 2 miles. Turn left at the light on College Drive.

    Diplomas and Certificates

    The Registrar is the official authority responsible for certifying that all graduation requirements have been met. Diplomas and certificates will be processed at the end of the term when the requirements are fulfilled. It takes approximately six to eight weeks for a student to receive his or her diploma or certificate by mail after the end of the term.

    Official SFSC Transcripts

    Graduates of South Florida State College may order official transcripts through the National Student Clearinghouse.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Below you will find important questions and answers for the 2025 Commencement.

    How do I learn when my ceremony will be held?

    • If you have applied for graduation and purchased a cap and gown, you will receive an email containing information about the Commencement ceremony. If you have not received this email, check your spam or junk folder. You can also call 863-784-7107 for details.

    How long is the ceremony?

    • The Commencement ceremony lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

    Where and when can I pick up my cap and gown?

    • The SFSC Bookstore on the Highlands Campus will begin distributing caps and gowns on the determined date during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Can I bring anything with me to the ceremony?

    • Graduates should only bring keys and phones that can fit inside their gowns. Do not bring bags, purses, backpacks, or anything else that must be carried.

    Will the ceremony be live-streamed this year? 

    • Yes. On the day of Commencement, an image will be placed on the home page of the SFSC website containing a link to a live-streaming video of the service. The video typically appears on SFSC’s YouTube channel.