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Florida Gulf Coast University

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Office of the Registrar

Guest Information

 
 
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Commencement Information
  • Guests will enter through the main doors at ALICO Arena.
  • The ceremony is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Due to an expected large attendance, early arrival is encouraged.
  • The doors to ALICO Arena will be open 60 minutes prior to each Commencement ceremony.
  • Staff will be present to answer questions and give directions.
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Dress Code
  • Business or business casual attire is highly recommended
  • T-shirts, shorts, halters or beach wear is not appropriate for this occasion
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Guest Tickets and Seating Arrangement
  • A limited number of tickets will be issued to each candidate for guests to attend the ceremony. Each candidate will be issued (TBA) guest tickets to attend the ceremony. 
  • No guest will be admitted to the Commencement Ceremony without presenting a ticket. DO NOT FORGET YOUR TICKETS!
  • Ticket holding family and friends will enter through the main entrance of the arena. Signs will be posted with directions
  • Staff will also be present to answer questions and give directions
  • Seating for individuals with special needs will be located in a designated area. Please contact Adaptive Services at (239) 590-7956
  • Guest seating with a ticket is on a first come first-served basis in designated areas beginning at TBA (morning ceremony) and TBA (afternoon ceremony)
  • Individuals without tickets are encouraged to view the ceremony on big screens to be made available at the Cohen Center Ballroom (directional signs will be posted)
  • Important Note: Fall 2012 Commencement tickets for December 15, 2012 are labeled for either the AM ceremony and PM ceremony as appropriate. Guests will not be permitted to use the PM tickets for the AM ceremony and vice versa. Guests will be directed to our overflow room in the housing commons area.
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Parking
  • Parking will be located in the Housing parking located adjacent to Alico Arena.
  • Additional overflow parking will be located at Parking Garages 1 & 3 near the Sudgen Hall/Student Union & McTarnaghan/Howard Halls respectively.
  • Campus Police will be on site as well as volunteers to provide information, and signs will be posted throughout campus directing traffic to the appropriate areas.
  • Those requiring special assistance should contact Adaptive Services at (239) 590-7956 for arrangements.
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Reminders
  • The ceremony is meant as a dignified celebration for our candidates and our guests. With this in mind, all in attendance should be respectful and courteous of others
  • The Arena Management requires guests to please not bring helium ballons, horns, canned string, beach balls, etc. into the arena. Such items are more suitable for family celebrations after the ceremony
  • This is a candidate's ceremony and not a degree conferral ceremony. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee degree certification. Students who have applied for degrees will have their application reviewed and approved by the appropriate college once the term is officially colsed
  • Only Fall candidates who applied to graduate will have their names listed in the Commencement Program
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Directions to ALICO Arena

From the North (via I-75)

  1. Take I-75 south to exit 128 (Alico Road). Go east on Alico Road to Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.
  2. Turn right onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and travel south to FGCU North Access Road.
  3. Turn left onto FGCU Nort Access Road. Signs will direct you to Commencement parking

From the South (via I-75)

  1. Take I-75 north to exit 123 (Corkscrew Road)
  2. Go east on Corkscrew Road to Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.
  3. Turn left onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and travel north to the FGCU North Access Road.
  4. Turn right onto FGCU North Access Road.
  5. Signs will direct you to Commencement parking
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Hotel Accommodations and Area Information

  • For information about area hotels, maps, and other traveling needs, visit Lee County Chamber of Commerce.
  • For the closest local hotels, please click here.  Please note that some hotels are offering special rates during Commencement weekend.

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Special Needs
  • If you need to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Adaptive Services at 239-590-7956 or by e-mail at adaptive@fgcu.edu immediately.
  • Please be advised that accessible seating is limited. A request for accessible seating does not guarantee a preferred seat.
  • Reasonable accommodations will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
  • Due to the limited seating, companion seats will also be limited to one.
  • The Commencement ceremony will be viewable via webcast at the following link:http://www.fgcu.edu/ beginning at (Time: TBA) (morning ceremony) and (Time: TBA) (afternoon ceremony) on the day of the event.
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Photographs

 

  • NO one is allowed onto the main floor or in the aisles and entranceways to take pictures
  • A professional photography company has been hired to take photos of each candidate crossing the stage, and a photo after receiving the diploma cover
  • Grad Images will send proofs to candidates directly with the opportunity to purchase photos