Graduate and Guest Information

For graduates and family members who need accommodations for seating or other services, please contact Student Access Services at sas@ringling.edu. Please check-in at the Access Accommodations Services table at the entryway of Robarts Arena. Please plan to arrive by 2:30 pm.

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.

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

The ceremony will be held at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, Fla. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 3:30 pm. All graduates need to arrive no later than 2:30 pm for check-in.

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.

Once final grades are in degrees 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.

For friends and family who do not have tickets, they may view it live via the Ringling College website.

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.

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 direct from Grad Images. Students will receive a link to order commencement photos when they become available.

The deadline to order your cap, gown, and tassel is March 26. You may begin ordering these in February 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 24, 2024. 

There is ample parking available at the 2024 ceremony location: Robarts Arena

Students, families, and friends are invited to attend the President’s Reception May 1 from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. Enjoy this special celebratory event at Cunniffe Commons with hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and live music.

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.

Plan to attend the required Commencement Rehearsal scheduled on Tuesday, April 30 at 11:30 am via Zoom. A reminder with the Zoom link will be forthcoming via email.

All graduating students living in on-campus housing must move out by Saturday, May 4 at 4:30 pm. Contact: reslife@ringling.edu with special inquiries.

Watch your email for additional information about fun, celebratory events coming in April and May!

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 and announcements 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 and eight announcements. We have a minimal number of additional tickets available. These will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Please complete this 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.