Graduation and Commencement December 2023

If you plan to graduate in December 2023, you are required to complete a Graduation Application no later than October 1. No exceptions. Graduation Applications for undergraduates are available in the Registrar’s Office or you may apply online.

Commencement will be held at the FMU University Center according to the following schedule:

Friday, December 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.: School of Business and School of Health Sciences

Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.: School of Education and College of Liberal Arts*

*College of Liberal Arts includes the following: Biology, Chemistry, English, Environmental Science/Studies, French, Spanish, majors in the Department of Fine Arts, General Studies, History, Mass Communication, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and all Physics and Engineering majors.

Commencement Exercises

Graduating seniors should arrive at the University Center at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the commencement ceremony. When you arrive, report to the Registrar’s on the second floor to check in.

Stay Informed

Throughout the semester, the Registrar’s and Provost’s Office will send you graduation and commencement information via your FMU email address. Check your FMU email address regularly to stay informed.

Graduation and Commencement FAQs

The Registrar or the department of your major will notify you if you fail to meet graduation requirements. No matter who informs you, you will know that you are not graduating before commencement rehearsal.

Graduating seniors’ grades are posted to students’ Patriot Portal accounts after 12:00 noon on Thursday after exams end.

The Registrar’s Office will mail your diploma to you the week after the commencement ceremony.

You will buy your regalia for commencement at the Patriot Bookstore. Contact the bookstore if you have questions about ordering or paying for your regalia. The bookstore can be reached at 843-661-1345.

Men should wear dark trousers and shoes under their robes. Women are encouraged to wear dark clothes and shoes as well. It is also wise to wear shoes you can walk in without fear of falling on the stage.

The Registrar’s Office will send you an email the week before commencement that will include instructions for wearing your cap, gown, and hood. Check your FMU email.

Your tickets will be available for pick-up in the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, Smith University Center, Suite 205. The exact dates and times of when the tickets will be available will be published at a later date.

You will receive an email with information about the number of tickets you will receive. Check your FMU email.

Please Note: A photo ID is required to pick up tickets.