Valencia College is hosting a two-part experience for graduation this spring as nearly 4,000 students will participate in the college’s 52nd annual commencement ceremony. The first part consists of in-person graduation celebrations to be held outdoors on three Valencia campuses, followed by a virtual commencement ceremony that will be available starting on May 8.
Starting April 15 and running through April 17, the Valencia College Grad Finale Commencement Celebrations will feature drive-through graduation events that offer class of 2020 and 2021 graduates the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends in attendance. At these in-person graduation events, which will be held at the college’s East, West and Osceola campuses from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., students will be able to step onto a specially constructed outdoor stage on campus as their name is read aloud, as well as pose with a college official for professional photographs of their special moment.
Students must register in advance and select a time slot to participate in the in-person celebrations. Registration opened on April 1, but attendance is limited and registration will be allowed on a first come, first served basis. Students should check their Atlas email in order to access the registration site and sign-up through Eventbrite. Please note that only one vehicle is permitted per family.
Graduates are encouraged to wear the regalia that was mailed to them as part of their Grad Box, including their cap, gown and tassel. Students are also encouraged to bring their diploma covers, decorate their graduation caps, and decorate their vehicle that they plan to use for the drive-through commencement.
In addition to the primary commencement event taking place on the stage, a decorative photo backdrop will be located nearby on campus, allowing graduates the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and pose for photos and videos.
Please keep in mind that Valencia College’s COVID-19 protocols will be enforced throughout the outdoor Grad Finale Commencement, including social distancing and the wearing of face coverings and masks. For more information on Valencia’s COVID-19 protocols, please visit: https://valenciacollege.edu/about/roadmap-for-reopening/index.php
Virtual Commencement
While the outdoor events will not be recorded or streamed live, a pre-recorded virtual commencement will be streamed on May 8 at 10 a.m., where Valencia College will confer 4,000 degrees for the 2020-2021 academic year. All graduates’ names will be read aloud, with ceremony speeches from: Sandy Shugart, Valencia’s president; Kathleen Plinkse, the college’s provost and executive vice president; Tracey Stockwell, chair of the (Valencia College Board of Trustees; and Stanton Reed, past president of Valencia’s Faculty Association. A special address by this year’s Distinguished Graduate, Samantha Tanner, will also be shared during the virtual ceremony.