- Info for Students
- Schedules
- Speakers
- Info for Parents
- Past Ceremonies
- DO NOT DELETE
General Commencement Questions
Q: Will photos be available?
A: Yes, professional photographers will take photos of each graduate receiving his or her diploma. Graduates will be contacted by the vendor after commencement regarding proofs and purchase options. Rollins College does not offer DVDs.
Q: What time do the doors open?
A: For all commencement ceremonies, doors to the Harold & Ted Alfond Sports Center will open at 9 a.m.. Guests are requested to be seated by 9:30 a.m. and no later than 9:45.
Q: Are there provisions made for those with special needs?
A: Yes. For more information, view the special needs page.
Q: Where can I park?
A. Graduates and guests are encouraged to park in the SunTrust Plaza parking garage. Signs will direct you to the garage. Special needs parking will be available in front of the Alfond Sports Center. For more information, visit the maps, directions, and parking page.
Q: Do I keep my cap on during the ceremony?
A. Candidates, after reaching their seats, will remain standing for the procession of graduates. Graduates will be then directed to remove their caps.
Q: What is the size and dimensions of the diploma?
A: All Rollins diplomas measure 8 ½ x 11 inches. Diplomas frames can be purchased from the Rice Family Bookstore.
IMPORTANT: All candidates should leave personal belongings (i.e. handbags, cameras, etc.) with family members or guests prior to joining the formation, as there will be no facilities to store such items.
Arts & Sciences and College of Professional Studies
Q: Are tickets required?A: Yes, because of maximum occupancy requirements and the large number of guests anticipated, each graduate may request a limited number of tickets through the commencement information form in the dean of student affairs' office. There is an overflow area in the McKean Gymnasium and there is a large screen projection television with a live feed. No tickets are required for admission to the McKean Gymnasium.
Q: Will there be a rehearsal?
A: Yes, there is a mandatory rehearsal in the Knowles Memorial Chapel the Friday before commencement. You must be in the chapel by 4 p.m. for the rehearsal in order to participate in commencement.
Q: Where do I show up for commencement?
A: All graduates must be in the Knowles Memorial Chapel no later than 9 a.m. You should find your name card, which will be placed on a seat in the chapel. Please do not leave valuables in the chapel. This room will not be secured.
Q: What side is the tassel on?
A: Cap tassels are worn on the left side of cap until the appropriate time in the ceremony when all graduates will be instructed to move the tassel to the right side.
Q: How will I know if I will graduate with distinction?
A: A&S and CPS students having maintained one of the following GPAs will receive special distinction: • Cum Laude: 3.50-3.69 • Magna Cum Laude: 3.70-3.89 • Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00
Q: What if something is wrong with my diploma?
A: This shouldn’t happen, but if it does, don’t worry. Contact the Office of Student Records after commencement, and they will make sure you get the right one or correct any mistakes.
Hamilton Holt School
Q: Are tickets required?
A: No, seating is on a first come first served basis.
Q: Is there a rehearsal?
A: There is no formal rehearsal. Graduates will receive instructions the morning of the ceremony.
Q: How long is the ceremony?
A: The ceremony usually completes by noon. There will be a reception immediately following in the Cornell Campus Center for all attendees.
Q: Where and when do I show up for commencement?
A: All graduates must report to the Knowles Memorial Chapel no later than 8:45 a.m. to receive instructions. You should find your name card, which will be placed on a seat in the chapel, according to the degree program for which you are a candidate. Please give your valuables to a friend or family member for safekeeping.
Q: What side is the tassel on?
A. Cap tassels are worn on the left side of cap until the appropriate time in the ceremony when all graduates will be instructed to move the tassel to the right side.
Q: Will I graduate with distinction?
A: Undergraduate Students completing the final 70 semester hours of degree requirements in residence (institutional hours) at Rollins College may qualify for graduation with honors, provided that the appropriate cumulative GPA is achieved. Honors are as follows: 3.50 - 3.66 - Cum Laude 3.67 - 3.83 - Magna Cum Laude 3.84 - 4.00 - Summa Cum Laude
A student's transcript will bear the appropriate honors designation, and the designation will be announced at commencement.
Graduate students in the programs of master of arts in counseling, master of arts in teaching, master of education, master of human resources, and master of planning in civic urbanism who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.84 will graduate with honors. A student’s transcript will bear this notation, and it will be announced at commencement. There is no honors distinction for the master of liberal studies program.
Q: What if something is wrong with my diploma?
A: See the assistant dean at the stage area immediately after the ceremony.
Crummer School of Business
Q: Are tickets required?A: No, seating is on a first come first served basis.
Q: Is there a rehearsal?
A: There is no formal rehearsal. Graduates will receive instructions the morning of the ceremony.
Q: How should I position my cap tassel?
A: Cap tassels should be positioned on the left side of the cap.
Q: Where and when do I need to meet for commencement?
A. All graduates must be in the Knowles Memorial Chapel to assemble for class photographs and special instructions for the bag-pipe led procession across campus. Please arrive in your robe promptly by 8:45 a.m. You should find your name card, which will be placed on a seat in the chapel in alphabetical order by last name. This is not a secured location so please be sure to give your valuables to a friend or family member for safekeeping.
Q: Will I graduate with distinction?
A: Crummer Graduates that have completed their program requirements and achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.85 will graduate with honors. A student’s transcript will bear this notation, and it will be announced at commencement. Note: GPAs are not rounded.
Q: What if something is wrong with my diploma?
A: See Alice Argeros, Director of Student Services at the stage area immediately after the ceremony.
