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                                                                                             Office of University Events highlight video from Fall 2021.

Fort Valley State University will host the Spring Commencement ceremony in-person at the Wildcat Stadium on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for both undergraduates and graduate students.

TICKETS
Tickets are required for all guests. Tickets are not required for graduate entry.
 
  • Each student candidate participating in the in-person ceremony will have the option to secure a maximum of twenty (20) guest tickets. All tickets have been distributed. No additional tickets are available. 
  • Children under the age of two (2) do not need a ticket to enter but must sit on the lap of a ticketed guest. All guests two (2) years and older require a             ticket to enter. 
  • Additional tickets may become available next week. More information will be sent out should additional tickets become available. 

 

CLEARANCE
Departments will notify candidates for graduation no later than, April 21, 2023 if approved to graduate pending satisfactory completion of all spring 2023 semester courses.
 
Students can learn their final graduation status at the Graduation Clearance Station located in the Student Amenities Center on Friday, May 12, 2023 between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
 
We will distribute honor cords at this time to undergraduate honor students based on the students’ institutional and cumulative grade point averages based on last semester of attendance before graduating semester. Students who fail to attend the graduation clearance must contact their academic advisor about graduation status.
 
REHEARSAL & CEREMONY
  • Commencement rehearsal is 8:30-10:30 am., Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Wildcat Stadium. In order to participate in the Commencement exercises, you must attend the scheduled rehearsal.
  • Commencement starts at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Wildcat Stadium. Students must line up by 8 a.m. in the Pettigrew Auditorium and the processional begins promptly at 9 a.m. Students cannot enter the processional once it begins.
 
  • On the day of commencement, students must enter the front gate from State University Drive and park in the Pettigrew Parking Lot. Parking at Wildcat Stadium is for guests ONLY.
 
  • Guest must be seated by 9 a.m. to view the academic processional. No one can enter until the processional finishes. 
 
 
 
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
  • Parking spaces for vehicles with state-issued handicap plates or placards will be reserved in the Wildcat Stadium parking lot for Commencement. Spaces in this lot are limited, so we recommend you arrive at least one hour early.
  • Only service animals are permitted. No Emotional Support Animals. If a guest requires a service animal, they must have the proper request and documentation (vaccination record and registration number) before arrival.
 
  • The Commencement location is handicap accessible.
 
  • American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available at Commencement. Please ask an usher for assistance in locating the special seating area for ASL interpretation. Seating is limited, so we recommend you arrive at least one hour early.
 
  • Our stadium hosts will be available during the event to assist your family and guests. Guests with special needs should arrive at least one hour early.
 
  • If you are not able to walk in the processional from Pettigrew to the Stadium or if you have an accommodation request that is not met by the above-mentioned services, please email Trelaine.Jackson@fvsu.edu regarding accessibility and accommodation services by May 12.
 
 

DEADLINE March 31 at 11:59pm

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

PROGRAM AVAILABLE  

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

FVSU CLEAR BAG POLICY
Fort Valley State University has enacted the clear bag policy for all events held at HPE Complex and Wildcat Stadium. Bags that are non-clear and/or are larger than those outlined in the policy will not be allowed in the HPE Complex or Stadium.

LARGE TOTE: Bags must be clear and not exceed 12″ (by 6″ by 12″) or be a clear one-gallon resealable plastic freezer storage bag, one per person. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide.

SMALL TOTE:  The only non-clear bags permitted are small clutch bags (with or without a strap) that are the size of a hand, 4.5″ by 6.5″, 3.5″ by 4″, or 4.5 by 4″.  Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at designated areas. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5″ tall by 3.4″ wide.

For questions, contact the Department of Campus Police and Safety at 478-825-6280.

The following items ARE PROHIBITED from entering Wildcat Stadium and the HPE Complex:

  • Beverages
  • Food
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco (including smokeless and e-cigarettes)
  • Aerosol cans / sprays
  • Coolers or ice chests
  • Balloons
  • Thermos/metal bottles
  • TVs
  • Strollers 
  • Ice bags
  • Bags (not compliant with Clear-Bag Policy)
  • Horns or other noisemakers (bells, whistles, etc.)
  • Laser pointers
  • Selfie sticks
  • Cameras with lenses longer than 4″
  • Sticks or flag poles
  • Flags or banners larger than 3′ x 5′
  • Pets/Therapy animals
  • Weapons, including those carried with a permit
  • Fireworks or other explosives
  • Illegal drugs
  • Strollers
  • Personal transportation devices (skateboards, hover boards, scooters, etc.)
  • Inflated balls of any type
  • Stadium seats (chair-backs/seat-backs/seat cushions) WITH arms, pockets, compartments, and/or covers
  • Umbrellas
  • Electric/battery-powered blankets
  • Personal heaters
  • Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by security or event management
Severe Weather

In light rain, the ceremony will take place as scheduled. If severe weather is predicted or imminent at the time of the in-person ceremony, FVSU leadership will consider the viability of delaying the start time of the ceremony and if outside at the Stadium relocate the ceremony to the Health and Physical Education Complex.