Graduation / Commencement
Fall 2026 Commencement
Get ready for graduation. Find commencement dates, ceremony details, graduation requirements and helpful resources.
December 17, 2026
Thrasher-Horne Center
Orange Park Campus
283 College Drive
Orange Park, FL 32065
Doors Open
8:30 a.m.
Ceremony Begins
10:00 a.m.
Live Stream
The ceremony will be live-streamed on SJR State's YouTube channel.
Graduation Information
Graduation Tickets (FAQs)
Review ticket information and frequently asked questions.
Graduation Application (PDF)
Ready to graduate? Start by completing your graduation application.
Order Your Cap & Gown
Deadline - November 6, 2026
Last day to order and participate in the commencement ceremony.
Graduation Ceremony Instructions
Review the following information before attending commencement.
Caps and Gowns
Graduates may order and pick up caps and gowns through the bookstore.
Note: Phi Theta Kappa members should contact their campus advisor to obtain PTK tassels and stoles.
Commencement Ceremony
Graduates should arrive at the Thrasher-Horne Center on the Orange Park Campus no later than 8:30 a.m. The ceremony begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Graduates will gather in the conference center on the right side of the building, while guests will enter through the main entrance and be seated in the main auditorium.
Graduation Marshals will be available to assist graduates and guests.
Graduation Photos
Professional photographers will take individual graduate photos before each ceremony, ending 15 minutes before it begins, and stage photos during the ceremony. Proofs will be mailed, and purchasing photos is optional.
Photos taken by College photographers on graduation day will be available for anyone to download from the SJR State Flickr page.
Diploma
Official diplomas and certificates will be mailed to you at the address provided on your graduation application. If you do not meet the requirements for graduation, you will be notified by mail.
Note: Participating in the graduation ceremony does not guarantee degree completion. To receive a diploma or certificate, all program and degree requirements must be met.
Security
All graduates and guests are subject to a security screening prior to entry. Graduates should refrain from bringing any bags, purses, backpacks, or other items to the ceremony.
Graduates may not bring any items on stage. Phones, keys, etc., must be in pockets or left with an attending guest for collection after the ceremony.
Accommodations
For graduates or guests who require accommodations, please contact the Thrasher-Horne Center ticket office.
Graduation Requirements
Students should be aware of the graduation requirements. These include the core curriculum, payment of all fees, and any work required in special programs. It is the student's responsibility to determine the courses necessary for transfer to any upper division college or university and to meet any program specific courses required by those upper division programs. Students should see an advisor prior to submitting a graduation application.
Apply for Graduation
To begin the application process students should take the following steps:
- Complete a graduation application.
There is no fee to submit a graduation application. You must submit the completed form to the Administration/Records Office. - Fulfill all SJR State obligations.
Fulfill all financial and other obligations to the College. - Prepare for commencement.
All graduates are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony. There is a fee to purchase caps and gowns. - Apply for subsequent graduations.
You must submit a graduation application even if you have previously graduated from SJR State.
Requirements Review
When processing your application for graduation, the following graduation requirements will be reviewed:
- Completion of the required courses and number of credits
- Minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- 25 percent residency requirement mandated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students must have earned a minimum of 25 percent of the credits toward their degree at SJR State.
- Honors designation - PLEASE NOTE: For the purpose of recognition at the graduation ceremony, an honors designation is based on all grades.
Graduation Honors
| GPA | Honor |
|---|---|
| 3.5-3.69 | cum laude (with honor) |
| 3.7-3.84 | magna cum laude (with high honor) |
| 3.85-4.00 | summa cum laude (with highest honor) |
These graduates are recognized at graduation ceremonies and have these distinctions noted on their permanent records.