• The deadline for graduation application and the dates and times of the upcoming commencement are posted in the College Calendar.
  
• The online application to graduate is open from the Drop/Add day of each term until a few weeks before the standard graduation dates in December, May or August which are found on the College Calendar.  If you miss this time period or do not graduate as planned you must re-apply in the next open period. 
  
• There is no fee to apply for graduation.  You must apply for each degree you are seeking.
  
• Your graduation date will be posted when you have completed all requirements.  That can be the standard graduation dates or any date after which your requirements have been completed.

• Polk State President Eileen Holden awards 400 to 450 diplomas each May. In December, which includes summer graduates, about 500 to 600 students typically are eligible to walk in the commencement ceremony.

 APPLY FOR GRADUATION ONLINE

• Graduation FAQ
  Graduation Details for December 2010 Graduation Celebration!	Deadline to Apply: Friday, October 22, 2010 Deadline to Order Cap and Gown from Bookstore is posted in the Graduation Appiclation.  Ceremony: December 16, 2010 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Winter Haven Health Center
  Graduation Application	The application process begins by applying online through PASSPORT under [Advising].  Applications for fall term begin on August 27, 2010.
  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, you must reapply for the next term. Please complete the graduation survey also found as a link in PASSPORT under [Advising].
  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, Fall. You must pay your graduation fee to receive a diploma.
  Certificates	Certificates are printed after each cohort completion. You will receive them from the program manager or in the mail using the address PSC 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 let the advisor know you are an Honors Program Graduate.
  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.
  Tassels	Tassels should be worn on the RIGHT side. After you have officially been conferred your degree at the end of the ceremony, you will be directed to move your tassel from the right to the left.
  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 Graduation. 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 graduation rehearsal at PSC. 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.
  Handicapped Access	The ushers will direct you to handicapped seating. One guest may sit with the handicapped guest and in some instances more. Seating with the handicapped guest is subject to availability and demand on a first-come-first-serve basis.
  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 as late as three weeks before the ceremony as long as you have done the following: Contacted the Graduation Coordinator at 863 297-3750. Contacted the bookstore and secured a cap and gown. You cannot just "show up" at the ceremony and expect to walk. Your application must meet the deadline to participate.