Congratulations, Raider! You successfully applied for graduation and ordered your cap and gown. Now you're ready to attend graduation. Here's what you need to know in preparation for your celebration and beyond.

Commencement

The Addition Financial Arena has security measures for everyone entering the facility. All graduates and guests will either go through detectors, or security personnel will use a wand for screening.

Guests must refrain from bringing the following items into the arena: balloons, bottles, cans, glass vases, alcoholic beverages, noisemakers, air horns, laser pens, silly string, confetti, banners, signs or posters. Backpacks of any kind or bags larger than 12'' x 6'' x 12'' (including diaper bags) are not permitted inside the arena. Guests who bring backpacks or large bags will be asked to return them to their car before entering the building.

Professional photography will be available. Guests are prohibited from taking pictures on the floors or near the stage. 

Tickets for the ceremony are free and provided to graduates based on the request submitted when ordering the cap and gown. Each guest, including children and infants, entering the arena is required to have a ticket for the ceremony. Please ensure that each of your guests has a ticket for admission to Addition Financial Arena. Graduation announcements are not tickets and cannot be used for admission.

Need extra tickets?

To request extra tickets, email the Graduation Office .  

Hearing your name as you cross the stage will be a big moment for you and your guests. Be sure to bring the pre-printed reader card provided in your graduation packet. When prompted during the ceremony, you should hand you reader card to the announcer. The card is pre-printed with your name and honor designation (if applicable). If your name is difficult to pronounce, please clearly print the phonetic pronunciation on the card, and be prepared to assist the announcer.

The address information on the back of the reader card should be completed prior to arrival at commencement. This is the address that will be used to send the proofs of photos taken at the ceremony by GradImages. The address listed is not associated with the diploma mailing.

Parking for the ceremony is free for graduates and their guests with an approved parking pass placed on their car’s dashboard. Graduates and guests should park in Parking Garage D or Lot H across from Addition Financial Arena. Signs will direct you to the parking. Guests with state disabled parking permits will be directed to park on the lower level of Parking Garage D. 

Each car must have a parking pass. The parking pass will be provided to those who register to attend. 

Directions to Addition Financial Arena are available at additionfiarena.com/directions.

Tassels should be worn on the right side of the cap. You will be directed to move your tassel to the left during the ceremony. As a reminder, all graduates are required to wear official Seminole State regalia. Professional attire and appropriate footwear is strongly recommended. The College reserves the right to request that graduates change inappropriate attire before being allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Accommodations are not provided for children at commencement. Graduates must make arrangements for children prior to arriving. Children may not be left unattended at Addition Financial Arena.

Graduates who require assistance accessing the stage or need a sign language interpreter must contact the Graduation Office to make necessary arrangements prior to commencement. Wheelchairs or other walking aids are not provided by Addition Financial Arena staff.

After you graduate, you may be wondering when you'll receive your diploma/certificate and when your transcript will be updated with your degree. Not to worry: 

  • You will receive a complimentary diploma/certificate cover at commencement.
  • Diplomas/certificates will be mailed approximately six weeks (excluding holidays and campus closings) following graduation. 
  • Transcripts that reflect the degree earned will be available approximately four to six weeks (excluding holidays and campus closings) after the ceremony.

To learn more, view the graduation FAQs under Diplomas/Certificates and the transcript ordering FAQs.

You're part of the Seminole State alumni family! We invite you to stay connected to Seminole State through the Alumni Association and take advantage of all the benefits and services it provides. And keep us informed as you GO Far, so we can share and celebrate your success.  Learn more at seminolestate.edu/alumni

Smiling female Grad posing with diploma cover and flowers

Contact

Enrollment Services
407.708.2050
Fax: 407.708.2029