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Graduation Details for May 2012
Graduation Celebration!
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Deadline to Apply for Spring: April 13, 2012. Spring applications will be accepted through May 15, 2012. Applications received after the deadline are processed after those that arrived by the deadline and only students who apply by the deadline are honored with their names in the bulletin.
NOTE: Caps and Gowns must be ordered from the Bookstore by the student before March 30, 2012.
The graduation application opens for the spring on Monday January 16, 2012.
Ceremony: Friday, May 4, 2012 Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Lakeland Center
Graduates report to the Student check-in at 5:30 p.m. |
| Graduate Accolades |
We want to honor you at graduation. Tell us your story so we can share your success with others. Complete the Graduate Accolades form and send it to news@polk.edu. |
| Graduation Application |
The application process begins by applying online through PASSPORT under [Advising]. Applications open each term beginning the day after the Add/Drop deadline. |
| Graduation Application Instructions |
The graduation application screens provide many details about graduation. Please read them carefully. You will receive a detailed email at your my.polk.edu address with complete graduation instructions. If you do not qualify to graduate after grades are posted, your application will be moved to the next term.
Please complete the graduation survey also found as a link in PASSPORT under [Advising].
Please complete the graduation accolades form at the end of the application online. |
| Graduation Day Checklist |
The Graduation Checklist helps you remember what to do on the day of the ceremony. Great for students and family or friends, so print one! |
| Diplomas |
Diplomas are printed after all requirements for a term have been completed. The address on your Graduation Application will be used. Be sure it is accurate! Diplomas are mailed approximately 8-12 weeks after each graduation - Spring, Summer, and Fall. |
| Certificates |
Certificates are printed after each cohort completion. You will receive them from the program manager or in the mail using the address Polk State has on record within 2 weeks of completion. |
| Fees |
There is no Graduation fee. |
| Holds |
Be wise! Check Passport for obligations such as library fines, tickets you received on campus, and other fees. Check with the Graduation Coordinator for any additional holds you may have. You will not receive your transcript or diploma until all holds are resolved. |
| Photographs |
Graduation photographs will be taken the night of the ceremony. The photographer will contact graduates with special photo packages that can be purchased. |
| Graduating with Academic Honors |
Academic Honors are based on GPA and described in the college catalog under the Regulations section. Honor cords are given to students based on the term preceding the graduation term. If you earn academic honors after the Registrar has certified your final GPA, your transcript will reflect that. An honors seal will be displayed on your diploma based on your final GPA. |
| Honors Program Graduates |
Be sure to wear you regalia as an Honors Program Graduate. We are proud of our honors students and honors program graduates. If you graduate from the Honors Program a note will be on your transcript. |
| Graduation Protocol |
The Commencement ceremony is a most dignified event. Decorum and courtesy are very important for graduates and their guests.
All graduates and members of the general audience should stand and remove hats following the lead of the stage guests.
No air horns, balloons, bubbles, beach balls, or similar items are allowed in the ceremony. The use of noisemakers may be intended to show one person’s pride in a graduate, but it can also ruin the chance for another family to hear the name of their graduate announced. |
| Caps and Gowns |
Caps and gowns are ordered from the bookstore in person at either campus. You must pay for them at the time of order. Please check with the bookstore on an order deadline. IF YOU WRITE ON OR DECORATE YOUR CAP, you may not be allowed to walk. DO NOT write on or decorate your cap. |
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Tassels |
Tassels should be worn on the RIGHT side. After you officially have been conferred your degree at the end of the ceremony, you will be directed to move your tassel from the right to the left.
BAS graduate regalia includes a tassel and cord in the traditional color of drab representing the Business discipline. |
| Announcements and Invitations |
Many students choose to order personalized announcements or invitations to send to their families and friends. We recommend you order these from the bookstore before the graduation application deadline. |
| Guest Limit |
We welcome all of your guests. There is no limit. However, there is limited space available, and if seats are filled early, guest may not be admitted. |
| Phi Theta Kappa Stolling and Nurse's Pinning |
These ceremonies are separate from Commencement. Contact the PTK sponsor or the nursing program director for details. |
| What to Wear |
Graduates must be attired in full academic regalia to participate in the ceremony.
Female graduates -- Dark clothing and shoes; skin tone hose; no beach-type thongs/sandals or shorts
Male graduates -- White shirts; dark ties; dark trousers; no beach-type thongs/sandals or shorts.
Guests -- Business casual. |
| Rehearsal |
There is never a rehearsal at Polk State College for commencement. Therefore, it is very important for students to arrive on time to check in. |
| Tickets |
There are no tickets and no charges for guests to attend graduation. |
| Access for Disabled Persons |
The ushers will direct you to special seating. One guest may sit with the disabled guest and in some instances more. Seating with the disabled guest is subject to availability and demand on a first-come-first-serve basis. A graduate may contact the graduation coordinator for reserved seating for disabled guests until the Monday before the ceremony. |
| Reception |
No reception is provided after the ceremony. We encourage you to celebrate at one of the fine local restaurants with family and friends. |
| Ceremony Participation Deadline |
If you met the deadline with your graduation application, you can choose to participate late. You must complete a graduation application online, and secure a cap and gown. For assistance, contact the Graduation Coordinator at 863 297-1010 extension 5225.
You cannot just "show up" at the ceremony and expect to walk. |