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Commencement

Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement is a special time for IRSC graduates and guests. The College holds Commencement ceremonies at the end of the Spring semester in May and at the conclusion of the Fall semester in December. 

Upon successful completion of all courses, the degrees or certificates will be recorded on the student transcript, and a diploma or certificate will be mailed approximately two to three weeks following the Ceremony from the vendor Parchment.

Important Dates

Thursday, April 4, 2024 Deadline to apply for Spring 2024 Commencement.
Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3, 2024 Spring Commencement

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the Commencement Ceremony be held?

Spring Commencement is Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3, 2024.

  • Thursday, May 2, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m. Associate in Arts Ceremony (Last Names A-J)
    (Graduates arrive no later than 8 a.m.)
  • Thursday, May 2, 2024 @ 2:00 p.m. Associate in Arts Ceremony (Last Names K-Z)
    (Graduates arrive no later than 1 p.m.)
  • Friday, May 3, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m. Associate in Science / Associate in Applied Science / Technical Certificates / Vocational Certificates / Applied Technology Diplomas / Educator Preparation Institute / General Education Diploma (Graduates arrive no later than 8 a.m.)
  • Friday, May 3, 2024 @ 2:00 p.m. Bachelor's Degree Ceremony  
    (Graduates arrive no later than 1 p.m.)

All ceremonies will be held at the Havert L. Fenn Center – 2000 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, approximately one (1) mile east of the IRSC Massey Campus.

Each 2.5-hour ceremony will begin promptly at its designated time.   
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?

No, the ceremony will not be live streamed. However, a recording of the proceedings will be available on the Commencement website and on YouTube in January.


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

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


What are the Spring Commencement participation requirements?

Graduates attending commencement must fill out a commencement participation form through MarchingOrder and order their regalia through the IRSC Bookstore. Students will receive an email through RiverMail with application instructions.

Deadline to apply—Thursday, April 4, 2024


What if I miss the deadline to apply for Commencement?

Students who submit a Commencement Participation form after the April 4 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:


How can I purchase Commencement announcements?

Commencement announcements will be available for purchase at the Massey 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 MarchingOrder 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 4, 2024.

Who needs a ticket to attend the Commencement Ceremony?

All guests, regardless of age will need a ticket to enter the Fenn Center. Each graduate will be allotted four (4) admission tickets (2 complimentary and 2 paid tickets).


Does a baby or a young child need a ticket?

Yes. Everyone entering the Center needs a ticket, regardless of age.


When will I receive my tickets?

3/26/24: At this time we are currently experiencing technical issues with the ticket processing system. We are currently working to resolve these issues as soon as possible. Once there is an update we will email the graduates.

Your commencement ceremony tickets are now available for you to claim. Please log into your MarchingOrder account and submit your participation form before Friday, April 19, 2024 to claim your tickets. If you have already completed your participation form, you will click Register and Review Graduate Details Here and click Submit in order to trigger your email. 

Each graduate will be allotted two (2) complimentary tickets and the option to purchase two (2) additional tickets. All guests, regardless of age will need a ticket to enter the Fenn Center.

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


How can I get extra tickets?

If additional Commencement tickets become available for purchase, we will notify graduates by email and text on April 22, 2024.

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.bookstore.irsc.edu/ for $65.00 and is due at the time of order. The $65.00 fee covers the Regalia Package and other Commencement/Graduation expenses. 

  • Commencement Regalia Packages may be ordered online starting on Tuesday, March 26th thru Monday, April 15th . Online orders will be processed starting the week of April 1st. Please provide your Student ID on the Order so that your eligibility for Honors Cords can be verified.
  • Commencement Regalia may be purchased in-person at the Massey Campus River Shop starting on Monday, April 8th thru Wednesday, May 1st .
  • Orders are non-reimbursable, and non-transferable. Graduates are responsible for ceremony regalia. If lost or missing regalia, graduate will have to purchase a complete replacement packet.
  • If purchasing regalia online, at the time of check out, select which campus C-Port lockers you would like your ceremony regalia sent. Honor Cords (if designated) will be included with your regalia order. Please allow 5-7 days for order processing.
  • If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Veteran, Active, Reserve) and would like to receive a military cord, you must present a military ID at the Massey Campus River Shop.

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.

  • IRSC Honor, High Honors, Highest Honors
  • IRSC Distinguished Scholar
  • All Florida Academic Team
  • Alpha Phi Sigma/Criminal Justice
  • Emerging Leaders
  • Eta Sigma Delta/Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
  • Honor Society for Nursing
  • Kappa Delta Pi/Education
  • Lambda Nu/Radiologic & Imaging
  • Legacy Leaders
  • Military Distinction
  • Phi Theta Kappa
  • Promise
  • PTA Phi Tau Alpha
  • Sigma Alpha Pi
  • Sigma Beta Delta/Business

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 $10 and additional or replacement caps can be purchased through the bookstore for $12. 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 IRSC River Shop Bookstore within the last two years, and the colors or materials have not changed, they may re-use their regalia. A Bookstore manager must verify the student made the purchase and the regalia has not changed.


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. 

How will I know if I am graduating with Honors?

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

  • IRSC Honor, High Honors, Highest Honors
  • All Florida Academic Team
  • Alpha Phi Sigma/Criminal Justice
  • Emerging Leaders
  • Eta Sigma Delta/Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism
  • Honor Society for Nursing
  • Kappa Delta Pi/Education
  • Lambda Nu/Radiologic & Imaging
  • Legacy Leaders
  • Military Distinction
  • Phi Theta Kappa
  • Promise
  • PTA Phi Tau Alpha
  • Sigma Alpha Pi
  • Sigma Beta Delta/Business

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 Desk in the lobby of the Fenn Center, and a faculty member will escort you to the reserved seating area.


Where do I report?

All graduates report through the front/east entrance of the Center. Follow the signs to your check-in area, 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 Fenn 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 4, 2024.


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 IRSC graduates receive a complimentary one-year membership to the IRSC 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/east 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?

Yes. A sign language interpreter will be visibly located and signing during the Ceremony.

Call the IRSC Information Call Center at 1-866-792-4772.
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