Fall 2026 Commencement
Congratulations, Fall Class of 2026!
You worked hard, stayed focused and earned this moment. Now it’s time to celebrate!
Indian River State College (The River) looks forward to recognizing the Fall Class of 2026 alongside family, friends, faculty and fellow graduates.
Whether you’re preparing to cross the stage or cheering from the audience, here’s everything you need to know about Commencement.
Fall 2026 Ceremony Schedule
Monday, December 14, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. — Associate degrees and all other degrees/certifications
- 1:00 p.m. — Associate degrees and all other degrees/certifications
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. — Bachelor’s degrees
- 1:00 p.m. — Nursing Pinning and Commencement Ceremony
Ceremony Location
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center
9221 SE Event Center Place
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
All ceremonies will take place at this location. Please allow additional time for traffic, parking and walking to the entrance.
How to Participate in Commencement
Participating in Commencement requires a separate registration from your graduation application.
Follow these steps to prepare for your ceremony.
Before preparing for Commencement, make sure you’ve submitted your official graduation application through Banner and are on track to complete your program requirements.
View steps to graduate.
Eligible students will receive an email in RiverMail with instructions for completing the Commencement Participation Form through Tassel.
Registration Deadline: November 10, 2026
Complete the form to confirm your participation, select your ceremony when applicable and provide the information needed for your ceremony recognition.
Students who register after the deadline may not have the opportunity to record their name pronunciation or have their information displayed on ceremony screens.
Students receiving associate degrees, certificates and other eligible credentials may choose between the available Monday ceremonies, subject to capacity.
Bachelor’s degree graduates and Nursing Pinning participants will attend their designated ceremonies.
Select your preferred ceremony as early as possible, as space is limited.
All participating graduates must wear Indian River State College-approved regalia.
Regalia Package: $65
The package includes your cap, gown and tassel. Approved academic honors and organization adornments may also be worn.
Purchase regalia through The River Shop Bookstore at the Massey Campus or online.
Online ordering: November 9–27, 2026
In-person purchasing: November 16–December 11, 2026
After completing your Tassel participation form, you’ll receive instructions for claiming and purchasing guest tickets through ThunderTix.
Guest Ticket Limits:
- Associate, certificate and bachelor’s ceremonies: Up to 3 tickets per graduate
- Nursing Pinning and Commencement: Up to 9 tickets per graduate
All guests, including infants and children, must have a ticket.
Use your Student ID number from Banner as the coupon code when claiming tickets.
Additional tickets may become available in December on a first-come, first-served basis.
Commencement EligibilityÂ
Commencement is a celebration of your academic achievement, but participating in the ceremony is separate from officially earning your degree or certificate.
Students must meet the College’s participation requirements and complete the Commencement Participation Form.
Your degree or certificate will be officially awarded only after all academic requirements have been verified.
Know Before You Go
For Graduates
- Arrive at least one hour before your ceremony for check-in and instructions.
- Wear your approved cap, gown and any authorized academic adornments.
- Follow directions from College staff and volunteers to your assigned check-in area.
- Leave personal belongings with a guest or secured in your vehicle. Storage will not be available.
- Plan to remain for the entire ceremony, approximately 2.5 hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for parking and walking.
For Family and Guests
We’re excited to welcome your family and friends to celebrate your achievement.
- Arrive at least one hour before the ceremony.
- Have your ThunderTix ticket ready to scan on your phone or as a printed copy.
- Allow extra time for parking and entering the venue.
- All guests, regardless of age, need a ticket.
- Plan to remain for the entire ceremony.
Doors open approximately one hour before each ceremony and may temporarily close during the processional.Â
Watch Commencement Live
Can’t attend in person? Celebrate with us from wherever you are!
All Fall 2026 Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed so family and friends can share in this milestone.
Watch the Commencement Livestream
- Wednesday, May 6
9:00 a.m. - Wednesday, May 6
3:00 p.m. - Thursday, May 7
9:00 a.m. - Thursday, May 7
2:00 p.m. - Friday, May 8
9:00 a.m. - Friday, May 8
2:00 p.m.
Recordings will also be available to watch after the ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for graduation and register for Commencement?Â
Yes. These are separate processes. Applying for graduation is necessary to officially complete your academic program. Registering for Commencement confirms your intention to participate in the ceremony.
What is the deadline to register for Commencement?Â
The Fall 2026 registration deadline is November 10, 2026. Students who register late may not receive personalized on-screen recognition or have the opportunity to record their name pronunciation.
Can I choose which ceremony to attend?Â
Associate degree, certificate and other eligible graduates may select from the available Monday ceremonies until they reach capacity. Bachelor’s and Nursing Pinning ceremonies have designated times.
How much does Commencement cost?Â
The required regalia package costs $65 and includes your cap, gown and tassel. Guest tickets are purchased separately through ThunderTix.
Can I reuse my cap and gown?
Fall 2026 regalia features the College’s updated logo. Graduates must purchase the current approved regalia rather than reuse items from previous years.
How many guests can I bring?
Graduates participating in associate, certificate and bachelor’s ceremonies may purchase up to three guest tickets. Nursing Pinning participants may purchase up to nine tickets. Additional tickets may be released in December, depending on availability.
Do children need tickets?Â
Yes. Every guest, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter.
How long will the ceremony last?Â
Each ceremony is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours. Graduates and guests should plan to remain for the entire event.
Can I wear honor cords or stoles?
Only College-approved academic honors and recognized organization adornments may be worn with official regalia. Review the approved adornments information before purchasing or wearing additional items.
Will professional photographs be available?
Yes. Professional photographers will capture graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for optional purchase through Grad Images.
When will I receive my diploma?
Printed diplomas and certificates are mailed through Parchment approximately two to three weeks after term completion. Digital credentials are generally available a few days after term completion.
What if I can’t attend Commencement?
You do not need to attend Commencement to graduate. As long as you complete your graduation requirements and your credential is officially awarded, you will receive your diploma or certificate.
Questions About Commencement?
For questions about ceremony registration, tickets, regalia or participation requirements, contact the College’s Commencement team.
For questions about your graduation application, academic requirements or diploma, contact Student Records at 772-462-7460 or records@irsc.edu.
