What is the difference between Graduation, Diploma, and Commencement?
Graduation is the term used to refer to the actual completion of your degree or certificate. Once you have completed all required course work, your transcript will note that a degree or certificate was awarded and the date it was awarded.
Diploma is the term used to refer to the paper document that shows you have graduated from a particular program of study at FSW. You will receive your official diploma approximately 6-8 weeks after graduation. It will be mailed to the address you have on file.
Commencement is the Ceremony to celebrate academic achievement held once a year at the close of the spring semester for graduates from all campuses. Participation is optional, registration is required.
Do I Have To Sign Up For Graduation?
No. Upon completion of degree requirements, graduation is an automatic process. Transcripts will reflect the degree or certificate earned. Diplomas will be mailed to the address on file. You may opt-out of the automatic process by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
Do I Have To Sign Up For The Commencement Ceremony?
Yes, if you want to participate in Commencement. Although graduation is automatic, attending Commencement is not; therefore, you must complete the Commencement application by the published deadline on the Official College Calendar.
Sign up to participate in the annual commencement ceremony.
When Will I Get My Diploma or Certificate?
Diplomas and certificates are mailed 6-8 weeks after the beginning of the next semester. Please ensure your address is updated and correct.
Changes can be made by updating your personal information in the portal or by filling out the Change of Student Data form and submitting it to the Office of the Registrar. Not sure how to complete the form? View our “how-to” video.
What Are the Honors Distinctions?
Honors Distinction for Baccalaureate Graduates
Baccalaureate graduates with a record of academic achievement may be considered for honors. To graduate with an honors distinction, candidates must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of upper-division graded coursework at Florida SouthWestern State College and must have earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher. Honors designations are conferred according to the following scale and are noted on a student's diploma:
- Cum Laude (with honors): an overall GPA of 3.50, but below 3.70
- Magna Cum Laude (with high honors): an overall GPA of 3.70, but below 3.90
- Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors): an overall GPA of 3.90 or higher
When determining honors for graduation, the GPA is not rounded up (e.g., 3.49 is not rounded up to 3.50 for graduation with an honors designation.)
Honors Distinction for Associate Graduates
Associate graduates with a record of academic achievement may be considered for honors. To graduate with an honors distinction, candidates must have completed 25% of graded coursework at Florida SouthWestern State College and must have earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher. Honors designations are conferred according to the following scale and are noted on a student's diploma:
- Honors: an overall GPA of 3.50, but below 4.00
- High Honors: an overall GPA of 4.00