Commencement

When and where will the Commencement Ceremony be held?

Venue Location: Westside Center 
3361 South Jenkins Rd, Fort Pierce, FL, 34981

• Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 5:00 PM – Nursing
• Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM – Bachelor Degrees
• Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM – Associate & all other Degrees/Certificates
• Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 4:00 PM – Associate & all other Degrees/Certificates
• Friday, May 2, 2025 | 8:00 AM – Associate & all other Degrees/Certificates
• Friday, May 2, 2025 | 12:00 PM – Associate & all other Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree, Certificate, and all other diploma graduates will have the option to choose the ceremony they wish to attend. The ceremonies will be open until filled, so please be sure to choose your preferred ceremony early. 

Graduates arrive one (1) hour prior to their ceremony and remain for the entire event.

Doors are temporarily closed during the start of the Ceremony.

Will the Commencement Ceremony be live streamed?

Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed. A link to the ceremonies will be posted on the Indian River State College commencement webpage. 

How much is the Commencement fee and what does it cover?

The $65 Commencement fee covers the cost of your regalia (cap/gown/tassel). Orders are non-reimbursable and non-transferrable.

What are the Commencement participation requirements?

Graduates attending commencement must fill out a commencement participation form through Tassel and order their regalia through the Indian River State College Bookstore. Students will receive an email through RiverMail with application instructions.

Deadline to apply—Thursday, April 3, 2025

What if I miss the deadline to apply for Commencement?

Students who submit a Commencement Participation form after the April 3 deadline will not have the capability to record their name pronunciation and will not have their information displayed on the screens at the ceremony.

How long does the Ceremony last?

The Commencement Ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours. Guests and graduates are expected to remain for the entire Ceremony. If you plan to make lunch or dinner reservations following the Commencement Ceremony, give yourself ample time as there will be traffic delays.

What types of degrees will be awarded at the Commencement Ceremony?

View Programs of Study:

• Bachelor’s of Science and Bachelor’s of Applied Science
• Associate in Arts (Tracks)
• Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science
• Technical Certificates
• Vocational Certificates
• Applied Technology Diplomas
• Educator Preparation Institute
• General Education Diploma

How can I purchase Commencement announcements?

Commencement announcements will be available for purchase at the Fort Pierce Campus River Shop Bookstore. Call 1-877-770-2665 for more information. 

Will there be photographs available of graduates?

Professional photographers will take no-obligation photographs of all graduates during the Commencement Ceremony. One photo will be taken as each graduate is congratulated by the President of Indian River State College, and a second photo is taken in front of the American Flag immediately after leaving the stage. Check the Grad Images website for information on how to order photos and prices.

Can I upload a photo or add a personalized message?

You may create a personal graduation slide in Tassel when you complete your registration form. We encourage you to add both a personal message and photo as it makes for a great keepsake for you, your classmates, and your friends and family who will be viewing the ceremony with you! This slide will be available for your guest to view during the pre-show of commencement. The deadline to submit your personal slide is Thursday, April 3, 2025.

What are the Commencement participation steps?

• Check RiverMail for Diploma Verification email.
• Check RiverMail for Indian River State College Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony email. This email will have instructions on logging into Tassel to complete your commencement participation form.
• Complete Commencement Participation form by April 3. A confirmation email will be sent automatically with instructions on purchasing tickets & regalia.
• Purchase Indian River State College approved regalia from The River Shop Bookstore.
• Claim & purchase your guest tickets through ThunderTix before April 20. Upon completion of purchase, a confirmation email will be sent with an attachment to your eTickets.

Who needs a ticket to attend the Commencement Ceremony?

All guests, regardless of age will need a ticket.

Does a baby or a young child need a ticket?

Yes. Everyone entering requires a ticket, regardless of age.

When will I receive my tickets?

Your commencement ceremony tickets will be available once you have completed your commencement participation form.

Students will be sent to a third party website (ThunderTix) to claim & purchase tickets. Graduates must enter their Student ID number in the Coupon Code section to claim tickets. Please be sure to enter your Student ID as listed in Workday (capital letters, no spaces or dashes). 

How do I navigate the ThunderTix website?

• Check your RiverMail for your Tassel Form Submission Complete & Regalia Information email. A ThunderTix link to your specific ceremony will be included in this email. 
• Select up to 4 General Admission tickets.
• Click Continue. 
• Enter Student ID number in the coupon code box.
• Click Apply.
• Complete Name, RiverMail email, and Billing information.
• Click Confirm Order. (Ticket orders have a 10 minute time limit, so please have your payment information ready.  If you aren’t ready to check out within the 10 minute time limit, hit “Cancel Order” to release your Student ID coupon code to be used later.)
• You will receive a confirmation email at the email address used to complete the order. Click the attached PDFs for ticket printing or mobile scanning. 

How can I get extra tickets?

If additional Commencement tickets become available, graduates will receive a notification via text and RiverMail on April 21.

When and where can I receive my Commencement regalia?

IRSC-approved regalia may be purchased through The River Shop Bookstore at the Massey Campus or online at https://www.myrivershop.com/Home for $65.00 and is due at the time of order. The $65.00 fee covers the Regalia Package and other Commencement/Graduation expenses. 

Can I wear a custom cord/stole, medallion and/or pin at commencement?

No. Only the approved academic adornments listed below can be worn during the ceremony.

• Indian River State College Honor, High Honors, Highest Honors
• Indian River State College Distinguished Scholar
• All Florida Academic Team
• Alpha Phi Sigma/Criminal Justice
• Eta Sigma Delta/Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
• Honor Society for Nursing
• Kappa Delta Pi/Education
• Lambda Nu/Radiologic & Imaging
• Military Distinction
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Promise
• PTA Phi Tau Alpha
• River Pathways – Career
• River Pathways – Community Service
• River Pathways – Digital Literacy
• River Pathways – Leadership Development
• River Pathways – Well-being and Resilience
• Sigma Alpha Pi
• Sigma Beta Delta/Business
• Take Stock in Children

What do I do if I lose part of my regalia before the Ceremony?

Additional tassels or replacement tassels can be purchased through the bookstore for $15 and additional or replacement caps can be purchased through the bookstore for $15. If lost or missing gown, graduate will have to purchase a complete replacement packet. If you find that you are missing regalia at the Ceremony, speak to a faculty member at your check-in location.

Can students use the same cap/gown from a previous ceremony?

If a student has previously purchased regalia from the Indian River State College River Shop Bookstore within the last two years, and the colors or materials have not changed, they may re-use their regalia. 

What should I wear under my regalia?

Men should wear a dress shirt, tie, dark slacks and dark dress shoes.  Women should wear a dark dress or dress slacks and dark dress shoes.  For your own safety and comfort, women should not wear high-heeled and/or open-toe dress shoes. Closed-toe low heels and/or flats are strongly recommended.

Am I allowed to decorate my cap?

Yes, graduates may decorate the top of the cap.

Join us on Wednesday, April 16 from 12 PM to 2 PM for the ultimate graduation pick-me-up at the DIY Cap & Snap Station! 

How will I know if I am graduating with Honors?

Honor designations are based on overall cumulative college-credit plus transfer coursework attempted at Indian River State College from the previous academic term, as well as at other post-secondary institutions. Graduates will be notified of Honors status via their Indian River State College RiverMail email.   

What are the Honors designations, and how will I be recognized?

The Honors designations are:

• Summa Cum Laude–Highest Honors (cumulative GPA of 3.85 to 4.0)
• Magna Cum Laude–High Honors (cumulative GPA of 3.7 to 3.84)
• Cum Laude–Honors (cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.69)

Honors recipients will wear gold cords and tassels and be acknowledged as they walk across the stage during the Ceremony.

I belong to an Academic Honor Society. Can I wear my cords, stole or pin? 

In addition to Indian River State College regalia (cap, gown, tassel), cords, stoles, medallions and/or pins from Academic Honor Society organizations recognized by the College can be worn during the Ceremony. These include:

• Indian River State College Honor, High Honors, Highest Honors
• All Florida Academic Team
• Alpha Phi Sigma/Criminal Justice
• Eta Sigma Delta/Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
• Honor Society for Nursing
• Kappa Delta Pi/Education
• Lambda Nu/Radiologic & Imaging
• Military Distinction
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Promise
• PTA Phi Tau Alpha
• River Pathways – Career
• River Pathways – Community Service
• River Pathways – Digital Literacy
• River Pathways – Leadership Development
• River Pathways – Well-being and Resilience
• Sigma Alpha Pi
• Sigma Beta Delta/Business
• Take Stock in Children

Custom cords, stoles, medallions and/or pins are not allowed.

When should I arrive for the Commencement Ceremony?

Each 2.5 hour ceremony will begin promptly at its designated time. Graduates will be pre-seated. Graduates arrive one (1) hour prior to their ceremony and remain for the entire event. Each graduate will receive a name card that he/she will hand to the presenter before crossing the stage to receive a diploma. 

What if I arrive after my ceremony begins?

Go directly to the Information Table in the graduate check-in area and a faculty member will escort you to the reserved seating area.

Where do I report?

All graduates report to the Graduates area of the Boys and Girls Club building. Follow the signs provided, and check in with the faculty member in charge. Check in will be by last name, and each graduate will receive a pre-printed information card with his/her full name and any appropriate honors designation. Hand this card to the faculty or administrator reading names before you walk across the stage to be recognized. 

Is there a place where I can leave my personal belongings?

No. Leave your personal belongings in your car or with a family member. The College and Westside Center cannot be responsible for securing your valuables.

How will I know if my name will be printed in the Commencement program?

Your name will be printed in the program if you apply for Commencement by the deadline date—Thursday, April 3, 2025.

When will I receive my diploma?

Printed diplomas will be mailed to all graduates approximately two to three weeks following the Ceremony from Parchment. A free digital diploma will be available a few days after term completion. Students will receive a notification to their personal email and a text notification with instructions for electronically claiming their diploma.

Make sure you update your address in Workday prior to the end of your final term. For more information, click here.

How do I join the Indian River State College Alumni Association?

All new Indian River State College graduates receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Indian River State College Alumni Association. To activate your membership, send an email to irscalumni@irsc.edu.

When should my family or guests arrive for the Commencement Ceremony?

Family and guests should plan to arrive at least one (1) hour prior to the start of the Ceremony which begins PROMPTLY at the times noted above. They should expect a heavy volume of traffic and allow time to park and walk to the Ceremony site. Doors will open 1 hour prior to the start of the ceremony and are temporarily closed during the start of the Ceremony.

Where do guests, family and friends enter the venue?

Guests, family and friends use the front/main entrance.

Are guests allowed to bring water or video cameras into the venue?

Yes. Guests, family and friends are allowed to bring water, cameras or video cameras; however, balloons and/or air horns are NOT allowed.

Are there places to stay in the area?

Yes. Visit the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce for a listing of local accommodations.

I need special accommodations.  Whom can I contact for assistance?

Graduates and/or family members requiring special accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at least one (1) week prior to Commencement at accessibilityservices@irsc.edu or call 772-462-7809 or 772-462-7396.

Are there special accommodations for parking and seating?

There are limited, special parking and seating areas for individuals needing special accommodations. Please plan to arrive early.

Are there other special accommodations available?

Close-Captioning will be provided throughout the ceremony. 

Call the Indian River State College Student Communications Center at 1-866-792-4772.