Northwest Florida State College Logo

2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony

RSVP to Commencement Click Here

Friday, May 8, 2026

Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, Florida

Ceremony Times

10:00 a.m. Ceremony

  • Graduates of Certificate, Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Science (AS), Bachelor Degree Programs (BAS, BSN, BSE)

2:00 p.m. Ceremony

  • Graduates of Associate in Arts (AA)

RSVP Deadline April 12, 2026

Spring 2026 graduates must complete a Commencement RSVP by April 12, 2026 to have their name included in the official Commencement Ceremony Program.

Please note: Only students who participate in the commencement ceremony will receive a Northwest Florida State College Commemorative Medallion.

Regalia

Now through April 10, 2026: Regalia is available for purchase online: bit.ly/CapGownNWFSC. Regalia will ship directly to the student.

After April 10, 2026: Students will no longer be able to purchase through the website and will instead need to purchase from the Niceville NWFSC Barnes & Noble Bookstore. The bookstore will sell regalia the week of Commencement and prior to the ceremonies. An additional late fee will apply.

  • Full academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel) is required for participation.
  • Baccalaureate stoles MUST be worn by those completing a BAS, BSE, or BSN.
  • Extra tassels are available for purchase.
  • Store Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Store Hours Commencement Friday, May 8, 2026: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information please contact the Barnes & Noble College Bookstore at (850) 729-5384.

Honor Students

Honor cords are provided by the College and are distributed during check-in.

  • Gold Cords (Summa Cum Laude & Highest Honors): 4.0 cumulative GPA
  • Silver Cords (Magna Cum Laude & High Honors): 3.80-3.99 cumulative GPA
  • Red Cords (Cum Laude & Honors): 3.50-3.79 cumulative GPA
  • Red, White & Blue Cords: Active Duty or Veterans

Note: Spring graduates—Fall GPA is used since Spring grades are posted after the ceremony. The diploma will reflect the final honors status after grades post.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Stoles/Tassels

PTK members who intend to graduate and wear the PTK stole and tassel must contact Mrs. Selin Apak prior to April 1, 2026 to be cleared as a member in good standing and to have the PTK designation on their final transcript.

PTK members are responsible for purchasing their stole and tassel prior to the ceremony (not provided by the College Bookstore). These can be purchased from the PTK national organization.

PTK Sponsor: Mrs. Selin Apak • Email: [email protected]

Attire/Dress

Active duty military and veterans are permitted to wear their service dress uniform.

  • Dresses/skirts
  • Dress slacks
  • Dress shirts
  • Ties
  • No shorts / no denim
  • No flip flops
  • No corsages or jewelry on robe

Check-In and Ceremony

  • Arrive dressed in cap and gown, no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.
  • Wear cap with tassel on the right side before the ceremony.
  • Report to the check-in table outside Raider Arena.
  • Only graduates will be permitted to enter the Check-In Area. Guests should proceed directly to the Arena.
  • Pick up your graduate card at check-in. This is required for photos and for your name to be announced on stage.

Important: No secure place is available for personal valuables (handbag, keys, etc.). Do not bring these items with you to the ceremony.

Guests

  • Raider Arena doors open 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
  • No tickets required. Seating is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Seating for guests with disabilities is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the Accommodations Resource Center if needed.

Parking

  • Large lots north and west of the Arena, with additional parking east of the Arena.
  • Graduates should allow time to park and arrive at check-in no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Ceremony Etiquette

  • On-time arrival is critical since no rehearsal takes place prior to the ceremonies.
  • Entire audience (including graduates) remains standing until invocation is finished.
  • Ceremony typically lasts one to one-and-a-half hours.
  • Graduates must participate in the entire ceremony.
  • Everyone stands for benediction and recessional.
  • If guests must leave, please do so quietly to avoid disturbing others.

Announcements & College Rings

Celebrate your success! Order commencement announcements, diploma frames, college rings and more online at
cbgrad.balfour.com or call 1-800-433-0296.

Photographs

  • Professional photos will be taken as each graduate crosses the stage; proofs will be sent for opportunity to purchase.
  • All guest photos must be taken from seats. Hand-held video cameras are allowed, but no tripods.

Contact Phone Numbers

Student Services: 850-502-2895
Accommodations Resource Center: 850-729-6079
Barnes & Noble College Bookstore (Niceville): 850-729-5384