Graduation is a tremendous accomplishment! We hope all students plan to participate in their graduation ceremony along with your family and friends.
The 2020 Graduation Ceremonies will each take place at 5 PM on Friday, January 17th and May 27th at the Character Counts Conference Center in Building C on our Main Campus, 2980 Collins Avenue. Students should arrive at 3 PM and go to the Culinary Theatre with plans to take class photos promptly at 3:30 PM.
As graduation approaches, you will receive an email with a graduation packet. At that time, the most important things to remember are:
- Contact Registration to ensure that your contact information is current.
- Contact your instructor to be sure you are cleared to graduate.
- Check the website often for detailed information.
- As time approaches, students will order cap, gown and tassel by clicking here and choosing our school. When you go into the shopping cart, you will see additional shipping options.
- Plan to arrive at least two hours before graduation.
If you have any questions call (904) 547-3282.
Graduation Procedures
Each graduate must click on the following link and complete the online Graduation Application to attend the ceremony. A Graduation Information Meeting will be held on the Main Campus before each graduation- look for email announcements. Please attend for the most up-to-date information and steps to celebrate this major accomplishment.
Regardless of whether you plan to attend graduation, students must complete the Graduation Application clinking on the link above.
In Absentia Graduates
If you are unable to participate in the ceremony, you may pick up your diploma/certificate of completion three business days after graduation by inquiring at the front desk in Building A. Please bring a picture ID as identification.
Proper Attire
All graduation participants must wear FCTC navy cap and gown except graduates from Culinary Arts who will wear the uniform approved by their program. Graduates are required to wear appropriate business casual attire. Flip flops, jeans and sneakers are not permitted.
Admission Tickets
Each graduate will receive tickets for family and friends to attend the ceremony. Every guest must have a ticket. The number of tickets distributed to each student will be announced before graduation since that number is determined by the number of students who are walking. Please pick up your tickets at Registration on our Main Campus.
Special Accommodations
Please call the school at (904) 547-3301 if special accommodations if needed.
Ceremony
Graduating students should be in Building C’s Culinary Theatre two hours before graduation attired in cap and gown or approved program uniform.
It is very important that all students stay in the area for photographs. After group photos, staff will organize graduates alphabetically by program to start the graduation procession.
Conferring of Certificates
A Marshall will lead the student procession into the ceremony to be seated. When it is time, you will give your completed name card to the announcer as you approach the stage, continue on, cross over and shake hands with the Principal and other dignitaries, who will present you with a diploma cover. Be sure to pause and look at the photographer. Then you will follow the procession, return to your chair and be seated.
Diplomas/Certificates of Completion
Immediately after the ceremony, you will return to the Culinary Theatre to pick up your Diploma/Certificate of Completion .
If you are unable to attend graduation, you may pick up your Diploma/Certificate of Completion three days after graduation or FCTC will mail it upon your request. FCTC is not responsible for lost or damaged documents.
No diplomas/certificates of completion will be mailed before your graduation ceremony.
Security Guidelines
Please share SJCSD-Graduation-Security-Guidelines with your guests.
Photos
Information to order photos will be provided to you at graduation. To view candid photos that were taken of your class, go to the Education Foundation website’s Alumni page a few weeks after graduation.
Career Plans after Graduation
FCTC would like to know about your first career job. If you are already working, please email our Placement Specialist so we can celebrate. If you would like assistance job seeking, reach out as well.
Your feedback is also important to us. We want to hear about your experiences at First Coast Technical College and how we can improve on our commitment to quality education. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief but important Survey…this link is also mobile friendly!
