What to expect on your big day

We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments at SPC’s Fall 2025 Commencement. To ensure the best possible experience, we want to make sure you know what to expect on your special day. All candidates will be invited to participate in our SPC 148th Commencement Ceremony. Emails will be sent out to all students with information to register for the ceremony.

SPC 148th Commencement - Fall 2025
Commencement details:
Place: The BayCare Sound, Coachman Park, Clearwater, FL 33755
Date: Monday Dec. 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Doors Open: 5 p.m.
Doors will open 90 minutes prior to the start of commencement.

Live Stream:
Family members and guests who are unable to attend can watch from the comfort of home at http://stpe.co/graduationlivestream.

What to Expect:

  • Commencement is a formal ceremony to recognize your achievements. The ceremony is scheduled to last approximately 2 hours depending on the number of graduates.
  • After the last graduate has crossed the stage and President Williams closes the ceremony, all graduates will recess out of the venue.

Student Deadlines for Fall 2025 Commencement

  • Wednesday Nov. 20, 2025, is the deadline to have your name included in the commencement program.
  • Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, your Name Cards deadline to be sent via mail.
    • If you did not receive a name card by mail (USPS), please visit the designated table at commencement.
  • Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, registration for the commencement ceremony will be closed.
    • There are no exceptions to these deadlines

On the Day of Commencement:

  • Arrive Early. Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the start of the event. Allocate time for travel, parking, and special accommodation (if requested).
  • Dress in Your Regalia. You should be dressed in your cap, gown, and tassel. The campus bookstore will be onsite if you need to purchase regalia prior to the ceremony.
  • Bring your Name Card. Two weeks prior to commencement you will receive your Name Card via mail (USPS). This card will provide your full name and information regarding the venue. This card is your “fast pass” to avoid checking in. Your Name Card will allow you to proceed directly to the designated area for graduates. If you did not receive a name card by mail (USPS), please visit the designated table at commencement.
  • Honor cord. Honor distinctions are given to the students in a Bachelor’s or Associates degree program with a qualifying cumulative Your GPA can be found on your unofficial transcript in MySPC. Certificates are not eligible for honors. Check the SPC website to determine if you qualify.
  • Photos. Formal photos may be purchased through Information on purchasing photos will be sent to graduates after the event.

If you requested accommodations, meet your Accessibility Services coordinator at the designated location. When attending Commencement, you should plan to arrive one hour before the ceremony begins. This will allow you to conduct a walk through with Accessibility Services staff, to secure your seat and have a professional graduation photo taken in advance. Please visit the SPC Website.

Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the start of the event..

  • Bring your Name Card. You should have received a card in the mail with your name on it. This card is your "fast pass" to avoid checking in. Upon arrival you may proceed directly to the field. If you do not bring your name card look for the designated table as you enter the venue.

  • Arrive Early. Allocate time for travel, parking, and special accommodations (if requested). College staff will direct you to the appropriate area where you will be able to pick up honor cords and Veteran cords. These cords are distributed 30-45 minutes ahead of the event.
  • Honor cord. Honor distinctions are given to the students in a Bachelor's or Associate degree program with a qualifying cumulative GPA can be found on your unofficial transcript in MySPC. Certificates are not eligible for honors. Check the SPC website to determine if you qualify.
    • Photos. Formal photos may be purchased through Information on purchasing photos will be sent to graduates after the event.

    If you requested accommodations, meet your Accessibility Services coordinator at the designated location. When attending Commencement in Spring, Fall plan to arrive one hour before the ceremony begins. This will allow you to conduct a walk through with Accessibility Services staff, to secure your seat and have a professional graduation photo taken in advance.

    Decorum
    Both Commencement are ceremonies that recognize your achievements and you are encouraged to bring as many guests as you like to celebrate.

    Because the Commencement ceremony is a formal event, decorum is very important for graduates, candidates, and guests. Please use good judgement and celebrate your accomplishment in a way not to disrupt others.

    As a courtesy to fellow classmates and their guests do not exit the venue until the entire ceremony has concluded.

    Programs

    To support sustainability and reduce waste, the official Commencement program will be available in digital format only. Graduates and guests can access the program by scanning a QR code displayed at the ceremony.

    The digital program will be available for viewing and download. Programs are available for download and viewing.

    Official graduation photos
    A professional photographer from Grad Images will be on stage to take your picture as you greet the president. To see proofs and order copies of professional photos taken, log in with your last name and the year of the ceremony at the Grad Images website or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

    Photos taken by Grad Images are not posted on SPC social media. If you have questions about photos taken by Grad Images, please visit gradimages.com/Home/EmailUs.

    Candid graduation photos

    A selection of candid graduation photos taken by SPC’s Marketing & Strategic Communications staff are shared on the college’s Facebook page. Graduates can freely save and download any candid photos from this posted album.

    Graduation