Commencement

Ceremonies to celebrate your graduation

Please follow the directions on the Apply to Graduate page as you submit your online application to graduate. That will trigger the ability to RSVP for Commencement. See details about Fall Commencement RSVP, Reserving a Ceremony Time, and the Guest Ticketing process in the accordion below.

Students who are graduating from Eastern Florida State College are not required to attend a commencement ceremony. However, it does provide a formal occasion for students, family, and friends to celebrate a significant milestone in their life. The ceremonies are held at the King Center for the Performing Arts at the EFSC Melbourne campus.

The College has Spring and Fall Commencement events. Students who graduate in the Summer are invited to walk in Fall Commencement and should RSVP for the Fall ceremony when submitting their Summer Term Intent to Graduate application.

How to RSVP, Guest Ticket Info & Ceremony Details

Commencement RSVP is a two-step, online process. Students who have applied to graduate must then:
1. RSVP to attend Commencement by a set date each term.
2. Must reserve a ceremony time and request guest tickets on a first-come, space-available basis when the King Center online system is available.

Tickets are required for all guests, with each student who is able to reserve a confirmed Fall ceremony time having the option for four (4) guest tickets.

Review each row of the accordion for full details and dates.

Step 1: How to RSVP for Commencement

For students who apply to graduate online, after your application has been submitted, you will receive a text reminder to return to the myEFSC Portal to RSVP for Commencement and a pop-up reminder will greet you as you log in.

Once logged in to the Portal, find the Commencement Ceremony: Next Steps box, which will appear once your application (online or PDF application) has gone through initial processing.

  • In the Commencement Ceremony: Next Steps section of the Portal, click either Yes or No for whether you plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony during the term you applied to graduate. (Summer graduates may choose to attend a Fall Commencement ceremony).

  • If you choose "No, I will not attend." then no further action is required.

  • If you choose "Yes, I will attend." then on the date(s) specified in Step 2 below, a promo code that is unique for each student will be available in the myEFSC Portal that allows access to the the King Center Reservation system. Your RSVP process is NOT complete until you have successfully reserved a ceremony time and guest tickets through the King Center system.

  • See the next step in the accordion for details on Choosing a Ceremony Time & Reserving Guest Tickets.

  • If you indicated you plan to take part in Commencement, you are required to wear the appropriate EFSC cap and gown for your degree or certificate program. Regalia can be ordered or purchased on site through the EFSC Bookstores.
Step 2: Reserving a Ceremony Time & Guest Tickets (Includes Key Dates)

This is the critical second step of the online Commencement RSVP process for the Thursday, December 12, 2024 ceremonies at 11 AM and 2 PM.

Please note the details below apply only to Fall Term 2024 Commencement ceremonies and are subject to change.

Ceremony times and guest tickets (allotted number to be provided when available) per graduate are on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduation candidates who RSVP'd "Yes, I will attend" as described in Step 1, will be able to access the King Center system when it is available, with the access date based on when they RSVP'd.

King Center Ceremony Reservation & Guest Tickets Promo Code Availability
  • Registration in the King Center system starting on the dates below must be done using the graduate's name that is on file with EFSC.
  • All commencement information and guest tickets will be sent to the email address used to create your King Center account — and this email should be your Titan student email address.
  • If you have an existing King Center account, you can log in, check the profile, and update it to your EFSC student address if needed.

November 5, 2024: Students who RSVP'd "Yes, I will attend" Commencement from August 12 through 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 3, 2024, can find their unique promo code in the myEFSC Portal starting Tuesday, November 5th by 5 PM. You will get an email when the code is available that day. In addition to the code, the Portal will have a link to detailed instructions on how to use the King Center system to reserve your graduate spot, plus reserve guest tickets. 

November 19, 2024: Students who RSVP'd "Yes, I will attend" Commencement from November 4 through 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024, can find their unique promo code in the myEFSC Portal starting on Tuesday, November 19th by 5 PM. You will get an email when the code is available that day. In addition to the code, the Portal will contain detailed instructions on how to use the King Center system to reserve your graduate spot, plus reserve four (4) guest tickets. 

After the November 17, 2024 RSVP deadline, graduates can email commencement@easternflorida.edu and will be placed on a waitlist for ceremony attendance and guest tickets.

December 1, 2024, 11:59 PM: The King Center online system closes so you must select a ceremony time and reserve guest tickets by this deadline. If all seats have been reserved prior to this date, the system will close early so don't wait once your promo code is available in the myEFSC Portal.

After December 1, 2024 - Extra Guest Ticket Availability Will be Evaluated: If extra guest tickets are available, shortly after this date, an email with specific details will be sent to all candidates with a reserved Ceremony time, and the email will contain a new unique code needed to choose extra guest tickets in your King Center account. This will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, only if extra tickets are available, and access will close when all seats are reserved.

Monday, December 9, 2024 - Guest Tickets Sent via Email: The King Center will send reserved guest tickets electronically to the email address that the student used to create their King Center account. Tickets will be digital and can be shared with guests via your device.

Important Guest Ticket Notices
  • All guest tickets are first-come, first-served, until all seats have been reserved.

  • Because of limited space at the King Center, tickets are required for each guest, including infants and toddlers, to attend the graduation ceremony and be seated inside the auditorium. The number of guest tickets is determined based on the number of confirmed candidates attending the commencement ceremony. For fall term 2024, each candidate with a reserved ceremony time is eligible for four (4) guest tickets.

  • If accessible seating is needed, graduates should contact the King Center Ticket Office at 321-242-2219 AFTER they have reserved their guest tickets. Accessible seating is first-come, first-serve and will fill to maximum capacity through the advance reservations.

  • Ticket distribution is based upon the actual number of candidates participating in the ceremony and the seating capacity of the King Center. Guests are assigned reserved seats at the time of the online order. Tickets are non-replaceable and do not have monetary value. The College does not support or condone the selling of guest tickets. EFSC is not responsible for lost, stolen, destroyed or deleted tickets. Guests will not be allowed in the King Center without a ticket. Each ceremony is also televised live on WEFS-TV and via webcast with a link posted on the website home page the morning of graduation.

  • Electronic Delivery of Guest Tickets: Each student's confirmation and ticket emails will come from the King Center to email address used in the King Center account. To avoid delays in receiving their guest tickets, students are asked to register this email address: KingCenter@mail.ASMMelbourne.com as a safe sender to ensure that the email address isn’t blocked or listed as spam. Tickets WILL NOT be sent immediately when reserved – Fall 2024 Tickets will be delivered electronically on Monday, December 9, 2024.

  • All guests must have either the actual printed ticket or the original PDF of the digital tickets. A picture or screenshot of a ticket is not valid for entry. If your guests are using the digital version of tickets, they must be able to display the ticket with the barcode on their mobile device. Please have guests download their tickets before arriving at the venue. Guests loading tickets at the venue will do so using their personal cellular data.

  • Can't find your digital tickets? Search your email account for keywords "King Center," "Print at Home," or all emails coming from the sender KingCenter@mail.ASMMelbourne.com — plus check your spam and junk folders.

  • Additional Guest Tickets? If additional guest tickets are available, they will be released after December 1, 2024 on a first-come, first serve basis until space limitations are met. It will not be determined until that day how many additional tickets, if any, will be available to claim. Candidates will be emailed via their Titan Student email, ONLY if additional seats are available. We would like to stress that there is no guarantee that additional tickets will be available.
Commencement Photography Notice

PLEASE NOTE: The commencement ceremony is photographed and filmed for distribution on social media, including a YouTube livestream, WEFS-TV live broadcast, and the college website.

By participating in commencement activities, you authorize EFSC to photograph, record, and/or broadcast your name, image, voice and/or likeness, and expressly grant EFSC the perpetual right to use your name, image, voice, and/or likeness without compensation for any purpose in any medium.

If you request that such information be confidential, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Before the Ceremony: Day-of Reporting Instructions

Report to the King Center 1-1/2 hours prior to the ceremony. Due to renovations currently underway in the King Center Rotunda, the exact location for check-in will be determined closer to December 12th as the renovation's progress is assessed. At the check-in location you will be given a calling card and form the processional into the King Center's main auditorium. No walk-up registrations for the ceremonies are allowed; students must have a pre-reserved ceremony time.

Important Reminders
  • The procession of graduates begins approximately 20 minutes before the start of your ceremony. To ensure you are able to walk in the procession to the King Center, we strongly encourage you to arrive for check in NO LATER THAN 45 minutes before your ceremony, as space may be limited. Please plan accordingly so you do not miss any part of your special day.

  • 11 AM Ceremony: Check in as early as 9:15 AM, but no later than 10:15 AM to ensure your place in the processional line

    2 PM Ceremony: Check in as early as 12:15 PM, but no later than 1:15 p.m. to ensure your place in the processional line.

  • Child care is not provided and guests are asked to keep a close watch on children. Children may not accompany graduates in either the check-in area or during the ceremony. Infants and small children will need a guest ticket.

  • Candidates should make arrangements to leave personal and valuable items (purses, phones, cameras, etc.) with family or friends. There is no secure area to store your belongings.

  • The King Center has a bag policy and no large bags are allowed in the venue for graduates or their guests. Any bag or container not meeting the approved options will have to be returned to the vehicle. Approved bag options are as follows:

    1. A non-clear wristlet/wallet/clutch 4.5”x8.5”x2” or smaller
    2. Clear bag up to 12”x6”x12”
    3. Clear one gallon plastic resealable storage bag
Graduation Regalia: Caps, Gowns, Announcements and More

Graduates are required to wear an Eastern Florida State College blue or green cap and gown, which includes a commemorative blue and green EFSC tassel.

EFSC's campus bookstores are your source to purchase your cap and gown and tassel. Robes are green for graduates receiving a bachelor's degree and blue for all others. To avoid a shipping fee, graduates can purchase caps and gowns in the EFSC Campus Bookstores.

The following items are available for purchase through the Campus stores:

  • Cap, Gown & Tassel Set ($68.75 plus tax)
  • Caps (Mortarboards - $12.40 plus tax)
  • Gowns ($46 plus tax)
  • EFSC Seal Tassels ($16.25 plus tax)
  • Souvenir Year Tassels ($10.98 plus tax)
  • Diploma Frame with EFSC Mat (Prices vary)
  • Announcements (Box of 20 for $15 plus tax)

Online ordering for other commencement-related items, such as class rings and personalized announcements, is available during select dates each term, with some items also in stores. View the Herff Jones website.

Please note, the online ordering system includes the requirement to choose the date of your ceremony, with an "order by" date set each term by Herff Jones to ensure time to deliver the items.

Again, caps, gowns, and tassels are generally available in each EFSC Campus Bookstore up until and on the day of the commencement ceremony.

During the Ceremony

You will receive an empty diploma cover embossed with the college's name at the ceremony. All diplomas are mailed approximately 6 - 8 business weeks after the ceremony.  If you are unable to attend and would like a diploma cover, email graduation@easternflorida.edu to find out how to obtain one. 

A professional photographer from the company GradImages will take your picture while you are on the stage. The photographer will send you proof copies either by electronic or regular mail and you may purchase photos directly from the vendor.

Graduation & Commencement Related Dates, Deadlines & Contacts

Fall 2024 Candidates for graduation must follow the steps to apply to graduate. Applying online is easiest: view the tutorial for how-to instructions.

  • Monday, August 12, 2024: Online Graduation System Opens
  • Thursday, October 3, 2024: Last day to avoid a late fee when applying for Fall Term 2024 graduation
  • Friday, October 4, 2024: $20 Late Fee begins for all graduation applications
  • Thursday, October 24, 2024: Last Day to submit a graduation application to have name in Commencement Program
  • Sunday, To Be Determined: Last day to apply to graduate and indicate "Yes" to attending Commencement to get priority access to the online systems used to choose a Ceremony time and reserve guest tickets. View Commencement RSVP details. That page also includes details if you submit a Commencement RSVP after the November 5th priority date.
  • Sunday, December 8, 2024, 11:59 PM: Online Graduation Application System Closes
  • Monday, December 9, 2024: Starting on this date, all applications to graduate must be completed using the Graduation Application PDF form submitted via the Student Dropbox. All fees will be assessed to your student account within 1 to 2 business days and must be paid prior to documents being processed and/or released.
  • Please note: Graduation & Late fees are nonrefundable.

Commencement: Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Ceremony Times: 11 AM & 2 PM, King Center for the Performing Arts
Please note that attending a Commencement Ceremony is not required to graduate.

Please Note: The online graduation application system for the Spring 2025 Term will open on To Be Determined. Please wait until after this date to apply to graduate for Spring Term 2025.

Important Note: Most dates below are TBD and will be updated when available.

Spring 2025 Candidates for graduation must follow the steps to apply to graduate. Applying online is easiest: view the tutorial for how-to instructions.

  • To Be Determined: Online Graduation System Opens
  • Thurs, March 6, 2025: Graduation Applications Due - Last day to avoid a late fee when applying for Spring Term 2025 graduation
  • Fri., March 7, 2025: $20 Late Fee begins for all graduation applications
  • Sunday, To Be Determined: Last Day to submit a graduation application to have name in Commencement Program
  • Monday, To Be Determined: Last day to apply to graduate and indicate "Yes" to attending Commencement, unless the ceremonies fill up sooner. The "Yes" RSVP will include priority access to the online systems used to choose a Ceremony time and reserve guest tickets. View Commencement RSVP details.
  • Sun., May 11, 2025, 11:59 PM: Online Graduation Application System Closes
  • Mon., May 12, 2025: Starting on this date, all applications to graduate must be the completed via the Graduation Application PDF form submitted via the Student Dropbox. All fees will be assessed within 1 to 2 business days and must be paid prior to documents being processed and/or released.
  • Please note: Graduation & Late fees are nonrefundable.

Commencement: Thursday, May 15, 2025 - Ceremony Times: To Be Determined, King Center for the Performing Arts
Please note that attending a Commencement Ceremony is not required to graduate.

Summer 2025 Candidates for Graduation must follow the steps to apply to graduate. Applying online is easiest: view the tutorial for how-to instructions. There is no commencement ceremony for summer term, graduates are invited to participate in the Fall Term commencement and can indicate that plan on their application to graduate.

  • To be Determined: Online Graduation System Opens
  • Thursday, June 12, 2025: Early Summer Deadline - Note: All course work must be completed in the first six-week summer term to qualify for early summer graduation. Applications submitted after this deadline, will be processed for the full summer term which ends in August.
  • Thursday, July 3, 2025: Last day to avoid a late fee when applying for Summer Term 2024 graduation
  • Friday, July 4, 2025: Additional $20 late fee begins for all graduation applications
  • Sunday, August 10, 2025, 11:59 PM: Online Graduation Application System Closes
  • Monday, August 11, 2025: Starting on this date, all applications to graduate must be the completed using the Graduation Application PDF form submitted via the Student Dropbox. All fees will be assessed to your student account within 1 to 2 business days and must be paid prior to documents being processed and/or released. 
  • Graduation & Late fees are non-refundable.
  • Fall 2025 Commencement (Option for Summer Graduates): (Date and Times are TBA) Please note that attending a Commencement Ceremony is not required to graduate.

You can discuss your program's graduation requirements with your Academic Advisor.

For questions about Graduation, including applying, requirements, or diplomas, email the graduation office at:
graduation@easternflorida.edu

For questions about Commencement Ceremonies, including guest tickets, email commencement@easternflorida.edu

EFSC Registrar's Office

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 AM - 5 PM; Closed Friday

Cocoa Campus, Building 2
1519 Clearlake Rd
Cocoa, FL 32922

Phone: 321-433-7284
Fax: 321-433-7172