FGCU Commencement

Arrival:

• Candidates should arrive 1 hour prior to the ceremony start at Alico Arena, wearing your cap and gown.
• Leave personal belongings with your guest or in your vehicle.

Parking:

• Due to the large attendance, early arrival and carpooling are encouraged.
• Grads and their guests may only park in garage 1 near the Cohen Student Union or garage 3 near Howard Hall. Shuttles will be available for pick up and drop off.
• Pick up and drop off for guests with limited mobility are available at the front of the arena before and after the ceremony.
• There are limited disabled parking spaces located in the front of Alico Arena and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A disabled person parking permit or license plate is required.
• More information about directions and parking is located in the Directions section below.

Check In:

• Check in starts 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Any candidates arriving earlier than this time will be waiting outside.
• Check in will be to the left of Alico Arena.
• Candidates will receive a card at check in. This card will inform the reader how to correctly pronounce your name.

Attire:

• Please dress appropriately: shoes, shirts, etc. are required. High heels are not recommended as you will be standing for long periods of time.

Tickets:

• Graduates will claim their tickets through the Tassel software.
• Graduates do not need a ticket if you are walking across the stage.
• Extra tickets are not guaranteed. If extras become available, FGCU will announce how to claim them before commencement.
• Students who are not walking across the stage must have a ticket.
• All other guests must have ticket to enter the Arena.

Ceremony:

• The ceremony is expected to last about 2-2.5 hours.
• There is no rehearsal for the ceremony.
• Strobe Lighting Warning: Graduates, please note that strobe lighting will be used during the ceremony. If you are sensitive to flashing lights, use caution.

Gown Return:

• Gowns and hoods are rented. Graduates can return gowns and hoods to the Bookstore trailer, outside the arena, at the conclusion of the ceremony.
• Graduates can also return gowns and hoods to the bookstore or ship it back to the vendor. A prepaid return label was included in your regalia order if you placed the order online. Gowns and hoods must be returned by December 19th.
• Caps can be decorated and kept as a keepsake.

Security Measures:

Upon entry to Alico Arena for commencement, please note the following:

1. Screening Process: Upon entry, visitors will pass through the weapon detection system. This process is non-invasive and designed to minimize wait times.
2. Prohibited Items: If the system detects any prohibited items, a secondary search will be conducted, with security and law enforcement personnel taking appropriate action as needed. The list of prohibited items can be found here.
3. Compliance: All visitors, including employees and contractors, must participate in the screening process.
4. Privacy Assurance: The system respects personal privacy and is designed to detect only prohibited items without storing personal information.

What you need to know video

Arrival:

• Doors open 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Guests arriving earlier than this time will need to wait outside until door open.
• Guests will enter through the main doors at Alico Arena.
• No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the Arena. Due to the large attendance, early arrival and carpooling are encouraged. 

Ceremony:

• The ceremony is expected to last about 2-2.5 hours.
• Strobe Lighting Warning: This event will include flashing and strobe lighting effects that may affect individuals with photosensitivity or epilepsy. Guest discretion is advised.

Parking:

• Grads and their guests may only park in garage 1 near the Cohen Student Union or garage 3 near Howard Hall. Shuttles will be available for pick up and drop off.
• Guests parking in garage 1 can enjoy a 1/2 mile walk along the boardwalk toward the arena. From garage 3 it is a .8 mile walk to the arena.
• No parking is available in the housing parking lot adjacent to Alico Arena.
• More information about directions and parking is located in the Directions section below.

Tickets:

• Students claim their tickets when registering for their ceremony through the Tassel software.
• Each guest must have a ticket. No ticket = no entry.
• Children 3 and over must have a ticket.
• Tickets can either be printed or saved to a phone.
• Guests will not be able to re-enter once their ticket has been scanned.
• Tickets are only valid for the ceremony listed on the ticket.
• Duplicate tickets will not be accepted.
• The university does not sell guest tickets for commencement, and those attempting to purchase tickets online should be wary of scams and the potential of fake tickets with duplicate barcodes.

Seating:

• There are no assigned seats. All seating, including accessible seating, is located on the second floor of the Arena. There is an elevator available.

Attire:

• Business casual attire is highly recommended.

Photography:

• No one is allowed to enter the main floor to take pictures.
• There will be professional photographers that will be taking pictures of each candidate before, during, and after crossing the stage.
• Proofs of photos will be sent to candidates within 2 weeks after the ceremony with the opportunity to purchase photos.
• By entering the event premises, you consent to the recording of your image and likeness, and you authorize Florida Gulf Coast University to release, publish, exhibit or reproduce any audio or video recordings, as well as photographs, which include your likeness in connection with this event. 

Security Measures:

Upon entry to Alico Arena for commencement, please note the following:

1. Screening Process: Upon entry, visitors will pass through the weapon detection system. This process is non-invasive and designed to minimize wait times.
2. Prohibited Items: If the system detects any prohibited items, a secondary search will be conducted, with security and law enforcement personnel taking appropriate action as needed. The list of prohibited items can be found here.
3. Compliance: All visitors, including employees and contractors, must participate in the screening process.
4. Privacy Assurance: The system respects personal privacy and is designed to detect only prohibited items without storing personal information.

Caps & Gowns

• Stop by the FGCU Bookstore during Grad Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 19th & 20th. To order your cap and gown, please visit the Herff Jones website. The deadline to order regalia is October 23rd for regular shipping and October 30th for express shipping.
• Gowns and hoods are rented, not purchased to keep.
• Caps can be decorated and kept as a keepsake.

Gown Return:

• Graduates must ship gowns/hoods directly back to Jerff Jones by December 14. A return shipping label can be obtained online if a student has lost their original return label or ordered their gowns late. 

Stoles and Cords:

• First Gen stoles-
  • Students will receive an email with information about where they can pick up their First Gen stole. 
• White FGCU stoles-
  • Optional and are available for purchase for everyone through the Herff Jones website when ordering your cap and gown. Also available in the FGCU Bookstore on November 16th, if you did not pre-order one.
• Stoles
  • Stoles cannot exceed 5.5 inches in width. The First Gen and FGCU stoles meet this guideline.
• GPA cords-
  • This is only for Bachelors students with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Distributed by the FGCU Bookstore in person only, starting November 16th. 

When can I claim tickets?
Students who applied to graduate prior to the September 25 deadline will receive an email the week of September 30 from Tassel (commencement@fgcu.edu). This email will include instructions on how to register for your commencement ceremony and the process for claiming four guest tickets. You have until November 7 to claim your tickets. Unclaimed tickets will be redistributed based on availability.

Will extra tickets be available?

If extra tickets become available, FGCU will make an announcement prior to commencement with instructions on how to claim them. 

Does every guest need a ticket?
Yes. All guests, including children age 3 and older, must have a ticket.

How do I use my ticket?
Tickets can be printed or saved to a phone. We recommend downloading them before arriving. Once scanned, tickets cannot be reused for re-entry.

Are tickets transferable to another ceremony?
Each ticket has a unique barcode. Duplicate tickets will not be accepted. Tickets are valid only for the ceremony listed.

Does FGCU sell guest tickets?
No. Be cautious of online resales—scam tickets with duplicate barcodes will not work.

Driving directions to FGCU:

From the north (via I-75)

• Take I-75 south to Alico Road at exit 128. (Tip: stay in right two lanes due to split highway)
• Go east (left) on Alico Road for half-mile.
• Go south (right) on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway for 2 miles.
• Turn left at the stoplight onto FGCU Boulevard at the main entrance (marked by FGCU tower and wall monument).

From the south (via I-75)

• Take I-75 north to Corkscrew Road at Exit 123.
• Go east (right) onto Corkscrew Road for half-mile.
• Turn north (left) onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.
• Drive 3 miles to main entrance (marked by FGCU tower and wall monument) and turn right onto FGCU Boulevard.

How to get to Alico Arena:

Guests and Grads may only park in garage 1 near the Cohen Student Union or garage 3 near Howard Hall. Shuttles will be available for pick up and drop off.

Guests parking in garage 1 can enjoy a 1/2 mile walk along the boardwalk toward the arena. From garage 3 it is a .8 mile walk to the arena.

No parking is available in the housing parking lot adjacent to Alico Arena.

Pick up and drop off for guests with limited mobility are available at the front of the arena before and after the ceremony.

There are limited ADA parking spaces located in the front of Alico Arena and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. An ADA person parking permit or license plate is required.

For other locations on campus, use our interactive map:

FGCU CAMPUS MAP

Pick-up and drop-off for guests with limited mobility is available at the front of Alico Arena before and after each ceremony. There are limited accessible parking spaces located in front of Alico Arena and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  A disabled person parking permit or license plate is required.

Seating for individuals with special needs is located in designated areas on the second floor of Alico Arena and is available on a first come, first served basis. 

FGCU Adaptive Services: We're here to enhance access for students, faculty, staff and guests with disabilities. We help by providing effective, reasonable accommodations, educating the campus community and promoting equal access and opportunity in the process.

Visit FGCU Adaptive Services

Ensuring the safety and security of Florida Gulf Coast University’s students, staff, faculty and visitors is our top priority. Over the coming months, the university will enhance its campus security measures and law enforcement presence at FGCU. Among these efforts is the addition of OPENGATE®, a walkthrough weapon detection system that will be used at Alico Arena. This system allows for faster screening of individuals with bags, backpacks and purses.

Upon entry to Alico Arena for commencement, please note the following:

1. Screening Process: Upon entry, visitors will pass through the weapon detection system. This process is non-invasive and designed to minimize wait times.
2. Prohibited Items: If the system detects any prohibited items, a secondary search will be conducted, with security and law enforcement personnel taking appropriate action as needed. The list of prohibited items can be found here.
3. Compliance: All visitors, including employees and contractors, must participate in the screening process.
4. Privacy Assurance: The system respects personal privacy and is designed to detect only prohibited items without storing personal information.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

The local FGCU community offers numerous restaurants and hotels for visitors. Search hotels near Florida Gulf Coast University. This information is provided to help you search for lodging. It is not an FGCU endorsement of listed properties.

Hotels close to campus

Explore galleries that bring our university to life by showcasing the unique features that define the FGCU experience...and make for great photo spots.

Photo Galleries

FGCU has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremonies. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please click here to register and upload a selfie.

If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at support@propicsusa.com

By entering the event premises, you consent to the recording of your image and likeness, and you authorize Florida Gulf Coast University to release, publish, exhibit or reproduce any audio or video recordings, as well as photographs, which include your likeness in connection with this event. 

Register for Photos

Graduation and commencement are two separate activities and have different requirements, processes and deadlines.

As you complete your academic journey, students apply to graduate in order to receive their degree and diploma.

Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates students' accomplishments and marks the transition of becoming part of the FGCU alumni family.

More information about signing up to work commencement will be announced as the commencement date approaches.

Dear FGCU Students,  

Commencement is December 5–6 at Alico Arena. Fall 2026 graduates: Find your ceremony below, then use the checklist linked here to make sure you are eligible to participate and understand your next steps for getting tickets.  

Here is the schedule for the three ceremonies:  

Saturday, December 5  

Ceremony 1 | 10 a.m. 

• College of Arts & Sciences (minus integrated studies majors)

Ceremony 2 | 3 p.m. 

• College of Arts and Sciences (only integrated studies majors)
• Lutgert College of Business  
• A. Whitaker College of Engineering 

Sunday, December 6 

Ceremony 3 | 10 a.m. 

• College of Education  
• The Water School  
• Marieb College of Health & Human Services  
• Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship  

General commencement questions can be directed to commencement@fgcu.edu.   

Wings Up!  

Good afternoon, Faculty and Staff! 

FGCU is celebrating fall 2026 commencement at Alico Arena December 5-6.  

Details and instructions on how FGCU staff and faculty can pitch in to make all the ceremonies a great experience for students and their guests will be released soon.  

Review the schedule below and mark your calendars now so you can plan ahead and help make commencement a success.  

Saturday, December 5  

Ceremony 1 | 10 a.m. 

• College of Arts & Sciences (minus integrated studies majors)

Ceremony 2 | 3 p.m. 

• College of Arts and Sciences (only integrated studies majors)
• Lutgert College of Business  
• A. Whitaker College of Engineering 

Sunday, December 6 

Ceremony 3 | 10 a.m. 

• College of Education  
• The Water School  
• Marieb College of Health & Human Services  
• Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship  

General commencement questions can be directed to commencement@fgcu.edu.