Graduate Information

To request ADA accommodations or for additional information, contact Student Access 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.

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

Graduating students must arrive by 2:30 pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center for check-in and line-up. There will be a clearly marked table for the check-in process in the foyer area. After check-in, students will be directed to the area for line-up.

Download digital swag for your computer, phone, and social media accounts.

The Diploma Application Form collects the name students want on their diplomas and the address they want it mailed to. The deadline to submit this form is May 2.

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.

The ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend the event in person.

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.

Due to ongoing construction at Bradenton Area Convention Center, parking will be limited on May 4. Graduates and guests are encouraged to carpool. 

All graduates who want to participate in the 2023 Commencement Ceremony should complete and confirm their personal details and information in the Self-Service portal or directly with their Academic Advisor by March 17 at 12 noon. This will be communicated with students via email.

Students and families are invited to attend a President’s Reception on Wed., May 3 from 4:30-6:30 pm. The event will be held on campus in Cunniffe Commons. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

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.

A rehearsal will be held May 2 at 11:30 am via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to graduates.

All students living on campus must move out of their on-campus housing by 4:30 pm Friday, May 5. For more information contact Residential Life.

All day-of updates will be communicated via Facebook and Instagram.

Share your Ringling College pride before, during, and after the ceremony by tagging your pics #RinglingGrad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your submissions may also appear on the Ringling College Social Wall during the ceremony. All digital photos/videos will be reviewed and approved before being added to the social wall.

Students interested in being selected as the National Anthem Singer should submit a brief biography and schedule an audition time with the selection committee by contacting Deja Rowe no later than February 3.

Students who are interested in being this year’s Student Commencement Speaker should apply by submitting a brief biography and draft of their speech (five to seven minutes) which should be focused on a theme of Resilience, be inclusive and relevant to all majors, and highlight the commonality of experiences amongst the class of 2023. There should also be an inspiring message. Submissions should be sent to Dr. Tammy Walsh by February 3. Interviews with finalists will be scheduled with the selection committee.

Each graduating student will be allocated six tickets for guests. Additional tickets can be requested and will be fulfilled based on availability. Email commencement@ringling.edu to request additional tickets. Students will receive an email after spring break letting them know when they may pick up their tickets and announcements from the Student Life Office, Ulla Searing Student Center, second floor.