Graduation Protocol
The Commencement ceremony is a dignified event; therefore, decorum and courtesy are very important for graduates and their guests. All members of the general audience should stand and remove hats following the lead of the stage guests.
Out of respect for all graduates, no air horns, balloons, bubbles, beach balls, or similar items are allowed in the ceremony. The use of noisemakers may be intended to show one person’s pride in a graduate, but it can also ruin the chance for another family to hear the name of their graduate announced.
Rehearsal
There is no rehearsal at Pensacola State College for commencement. Therefore, it is very important for students to arrive on time to check in and receive instructions. Students should arrive at the Bay Center no later than 2:00 p.m. in order to be placed in line according to degree type. Students will be guided to and from the stage by degree type by Commencement Marshals. Students should pay attention to these Marshalls immediately following the ceremony for details on the recessions (how graduates walk out of the facility).
Name Card
At registration, you will be given a card with your name on it (if you saved your seat in advance). If you did not save your seat in advance, you will need to complete a card – each graduate must have a card! When you approach the stage, you will release your card to the college representative so that they may announce your name. Please keep the card in good condition so that it is easily read by the Emcee. The photographers will also use this card to keep the graduate photos in the proper order.
Special Assistance
If you need special assistance, please email graduation@pensacolastate.edu so that arrangements can be made prior to the ceremony.
Photography
Professional photos will be taken as you receive your diploma cover. Proofs will be mailed to the address provided on your name card and packages will be available to purchase from Grad Images. Please make sure that your address is listed correctly in Workday. You may pre-register so that photo proofs will be provided promptly after the event. Pre-register at http://www.gradimages.com/Preregistration to receive a 20% discount.
Diplomas
Digital diplomas will be available approximately a week after the Final Grading deadline of December 15. Please be sure to check your PSC email for the link to your digital diploma. Diplomas will be mailed to the address on file in Workday 4-6 weeks after graduation.
Printed Program
Please note that if you did not RSVP by the deadline (December 1, 2025), your name will not appear in the printed program.
Security
Due to changes in security at the Pensacola Bay Center, all attendees will be required to go through security screening with metal detectors. Please only bring essential items to graduation. Plan to arrive with enough time to go through Pensacola Bay Center security.
Departing
Graduates are expected to stay for the duration of the ceremony. The ceremony will last approximately two hours. At the end of the graduation ceremony, graduates will exit behind the stage guests and faculty. PSC staff will direct graduates to the appropriate exits.
Parking
All graduates who arrive from 9th Avenue and park in the back of the building will walk down the Gate #3 & 4 stairwells. All others will walk down the North Fire Lane to the back of the building. All students must be screened in order to enter. Please note that friends and family members are not able to accompany graduates to this level. Please see this map for additional information.
Patching & Pinning Ceremonies
These ceremonies are separate from Commencement. Contact the program directors for details.
Contact graduation staff at graduation@pensacolastate.edu with any questions.