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Graduate and Guest Information

Event Information

Alumni Merchandise

Alumni clothing and gifts are available on the bookstore website and in the Madeby Gallery.

Access Services

For graduates who need accommodations for seating or other services, please contact Student Access Services at sas@ringling.edu.

Accessible seating will be available for family members and guests at the ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not reserve accessible seating. Please plan to arrive by 2:30 pm if anyone from your group needs to utilize accessible seating. Since these spaces are limited, your entire group will not be able to sit in the accessible seating area.

Arrival and Check-In

The ceremony will be held at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 3:30 pm. All graduates need to arrive no later than 2:30 pm for check-in.

Official Photographer

Grad Images is the official photographer for student pictures at Commencement. The photographers will have clear access to take photos of the graduates during the ceremony. Graduates and their families will have the opportunity to order commencement photos directly from Grad Images. Students will receive a link to order commencement photos when they become available.

Order Cap, Gown, and Tassel

The deadline to order your cap, gown, and tassel is March 25. You may begin ordering these now from the Ringling College shop. You will receive an email reminder to pick up your regalia at the Art and Supply Store beginning on April 28, 2025.

Parking

There is ample parking available at the ceremony location: Robarts Arena

President’s Reception for Graduates and Families

Students, families, and friends are invited to attend the President’s Reception on May 7 from 4:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy this special celebratory event at Cunniffe Commons with hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and live music.

Reader Card

Each graduate will be given a reader card when they check-in. Do not lose your reader card. The reader card must be kept with the graduate at all times as it will be given to the name reader before the graduate walks across the stage.

Rehearsal

Plan to attend the required Commencement Rehearsal scheduled on Tuesday, May 6 at 11:30 am via Zoom. An email with the Zoom link will be sent to graduates, as well as a reminder email closer to the Rehearsal date.

Pre-Commencement

Diploma Application

The Diploma Application will be sent to you in March by the Office of the Registrar. You will be required to indicate the name that you would like on your diploma as well as where you would like it mailed.

Preferred Name for Commencement Program

Please review your Preferred Name under Self-Service by Feb. 21, 2025, at noon. This will be the name that appears in the Commencement Program. If you want a different name listed in the Commencement Program than your preferred name, please complete this form by the Feb. 16 deadline.

Check Your Major & Minor for Accuracy

Please review your major/minor(s) for accuracy. If you need to make any changes, email advising@ringling.edu by Feb. 21, 2025, at noon for inclusion in the Commencement Program.

Social Wall

Get ready to share your pics and well wishes on the day of the ceremony as we wait for everyone to be seated and for the event to start. Post using the hashtag #RinglingGrads.

Tickets

Tickets will be ready for pick-up at the Student Life front desk after Spring Break. You will need an ID to obtain your tickets. Each senior will receive six tickets. We have a minimal number of additional tickets available. These will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete The Extra Ticket Request Form if you would like to make a request. Ask your peers as well to see if they have any extra tickets that will not be used.

Post-Commencement

Alumni Benefits and Services

Stay connected! Ringling College is here to support our students in any way we can, even after graduation. Visit the alumni webpage to learn more.

Diploma and Diploma Cover

Once final grades are in degrees and have been certified by the Office of Advising, Records, and Registration, the College will order diplomas, and they will be shipped directly to the graduates. Diplomas will be received 6-8 weeks following the commencement ceremony, so please confirm an address that will work at that time. Please do not use an on-campus address. Consider mailing it to a relative or trusted friend if needed. Diplomas will arrive by mail inside the diploma cover.

Mail Forwarding

Students should make sure their information is up-to-date in the Self-Service portal. For local students who use a campus mailbox, please complete a mail forwarding form at Mail Services.

Residential Student Check-out

All graduating students living in on-campus housing must move out by Saturday, May 10, at 4:30 pm.

Contact: reslife@ringling.edu with special inquiries.

Senior Celebrations

Watch your email for additional information about fun events throughout the Spring 2025 Semester!

  • Be sure to complete your mail forwarding information through Mail Services.
  • Complete your Financial Aid Exit Interview.
  • Connect with Career Services, Alumni Relations, and Madeby Gallery!
  • Order photos from GradImages if you choose. Arrangements have been made with professional photographers to record the moment as you cross the stage. There is no obligation to purchase www.GradImages.com.
  • Please share this information with your family and friends accordingly!
Career Support For Life

Stay Connected!

Ringling College is here to support you in any way we can, even after graduation. Check out events and information related to Ringling Alumni.

Keep in Touch

Find out what resources and services are available to you!

Let us know if you’re in town!

Celebrating alumni successes.