College Ceremonies

GUESTS: Doors open at 3:00 p.m. Graduates may invite up to (5) guests to attend the recognition and reception. F&M faculty and staff are also invited to attend. Unlike the May Commencement, there are no physical tickets for guests to attend the Winter Graduate Recognition. Seating is limited and first come, first serve. The program begins promptly at 4:00 p.m. A seating hold will occur during the President's platform processional. 

RECOGNITION PROGRAM: The recognition includes Presidential remarks by Barbara K. Altmann, Ph.D., musical performance, and closing remarks by 2023 Bradley R. Dewey Scholarship Award recipient, Susan Dicklitch-Nelson, Ph.D. Each graduate is recognized on stage and presented with a diploma cover. 

GRADUATE ATTIRE: The Winter Graduate program is an informal recognition and not a degree conferral ceremony, therefore caps and gowns are not needed. Graduates are encouraged to wear business or business casual attire, suit coats and ties are not required. 

GRADUATE ARRIVAL: Doors will open at 3:00 p.m. Graduates are to arrive by 3:30 p.m. and check in at the table located in Barshinger Lobby to receive their seating assignment. 

GRADUATE SEATING: Graduates will be assigned a seat in the front rows of Barshinger Music Center. 

SEATING ACCOMMODATIONS: If you or a member of your family require special accessibility accommodations, please contact Lindsey Snyder, associate director of college ceremonies and special presidential events at lsnyder@fandm.edu. 

DIPLOMAS: Eligible graduates will receive their actual diploma after they are conferred on January 31, 2024. Diplomas will be mailed directly to graduates. Please contact the Registrar’s Office with any questions regarding your diploma, a transcript or to confirm your mailing address.