Get ready to celebrate your accomplishments. Here’s everything you need to know about the steps to graduate and make your commencement day unforgettable!
Commencement Schedule
Commencement is held three times a year at the end of the spring, summer and fall semesters.
Commencement Checklist
Follow the checklist and keep an eye on your Panther Mail for essential updates as you prepare for graduation.
1. Apply and Register
- Verify completion of all degree requirements with your advisor or on your Panther Degree Audit.
- Apply for graduation by the semester deadline listed in the academic calendar.
- Register for commencement by ordering your pass and tickets in MyFIU during the online registration period.
2. Get Your Gear
- Pick up your pass and grad gear during Commencement Fair.
- Register with Grad Images to order proofs of your formal graduation portrait and commencement day photos.
- Order your FIU class ring online or at Commencement Fair and attend the ring ceremony.
- Order your Official FIU personalized announcements to announce your accomplishments to family and friends. They arrive with your name, degree, major and date, time and place of commencement.
- Make your grad gift
3. Gather Your Guests
- Print your guest tickets or email them to your guests
- Tell your guests to read the family and friends' instructions and directions and parking guidelines.
4. Plan Your Big Day
- Check the commencement schedule for your school’s or college’s ceremony date and time.
- Read the day of ceremony instructions.
- Request special accommodations, if necessary.
5. After Commencement
- Order your commencement day photography
- Receive your diploma in the mail
- Register for the post-graduation course, SDS 4340 Career Development
Get Ready for the Big Day
Doctoral Candidates & Hooding
Doctoral candidates must enter through Gate 4 and proceed to the Robing Room. Only Ph.D., Ed.D., DBA, M.D. and JD graduates participate in the hooding ceremony. Professional doctoral graduates (DNP, DPT, DAT, DDes) are recognized on stage but do not take part in hooding.
Candidates are hooded by their college dean and the provost, accompanied by their major professor. FIU policy does not allow family or guests on stage.
FERPA Notice
Students with a FERPA restriction on their records will not be included in the Commencement Booklet or any Virtual Commencement Ceremonies. If you want to be included, you must provide written consent to OneStop at least three weeks before the graduation application deadline for the term.
You can also remove your FERPA restriction online through MyFIU by the graduation application deadline.
For more details, visit the FIU FERPA website.