Calendar of Events
Graduation Rehearsal
When: Thursday, May 16, 2019
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Florence Center (3300 West Radio Drive in Florence, SC)
Candidates must participate in the graduation rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. There will be no exceptions. Diplomas will be mailed to non-participating graduates during the first week of June.
Graduation Ceremony
When: Thursday, May 16, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Florence Center (3300 West Radio Drive in Florence, SC)
Candidates must arrive and be robed in the Exhibit Hall by no later than 5:30 p.m. on May 16, 2019. There will be no exceptions.
Traffic/Parking
Florence Center traffic can be quite congested at times. You should leave your residence with time to spare, as both the rehearsal and the graduation activities will begin promptly at the times listed. Candidates and their guests should plan to use the lower level parking lots to the left of the Florence Center. There is limited disabled parking in this lot. All lower level entrances will be for the use of graduation candidates and disabled guests requiring elevator access only. All others must enter the facility from the upper levels.
Special Assistance
If you are disabled and require special assistance, please contact Registrar Services immediately (843-661-8351 or 843-661-8134) so we can plan for your needs.
Caps & Gowns
Graduation caps and gowns, as well as graduation invitations, are all currently available for pick-up at the “Lamplighter” Campus Bookstore. Please note that caps and gowns do not have to be returned. Please contact the Campus Bookstore at 843-661-8325 with any questions regarding caps, gowns, and/or invitations.
Graduation Cap Decorating Procedures and Etiquette
Please take into consideration the following rules when decorating your graduation cap. Failure to follow these rules will result in a replacement cap being given to you during commencement.
- No offensive language, sayings, nicknames, pictures or lyrics on cap
- No objects such as signs, stuffed animals, bells, flowers, or any 3D object may rest on the cap.
- No political views may be written or drawn on the caps.
- ALL decorations MUST lay FLAT on the cap. Nothing can lay perpendicular thus allowing us to see the decoration beyond eye level.
- Your cap CANNOT make noise. No bells, horns, or anything that makes noise.
- It is appropriate to put the following on your cap. Examples of what can go on your cap!
- Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend.
- Recognize the college or university you will be attending.
Caps will be checked at commencement by staff.
Graduation
Plan to arrive by no later than 5:30 p.m. to robe and line up by program as instructed by FDTC faculty and staff. Proceed directly to the staging area (in the Exhibit Hall) to form the processional line.
Academic Regalia
Traditionally, all candidates should wear dark shoes. Men should wear dark trousers with their robes. Women should wear dark dresses or slacks. For photography purposes, dresses should be solid and preferably a dark color. At the beginning of the procession, all candidates will wear tassels on the right side of their caps; during the conferring of the degrees by Mr. Edward E. Bethea, tassels are moved to the left side, thereby noting the actual moment of degree conferral. You will receive more detailed instructions during rehearsal
General Information
We have secured the services of a sign language interpreter to provide services for any of your guests who may have a hearing impairment. We have also secured the services of a professional photographer to take pictures of you as you cross the stage to accept your diploma. This photographer will correspond directly with you regarding the price of these photographs and the expected delivery date.
A Final Note
All candidates must be present at rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. We utilize a card system, which can be quite confusing if one has not attended rehearsal. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Again, congratulations! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at the Florence Center.
Directions to the Florence Center
From North of Florence: I-95 S: Coming from locations North of Florence, SC: Take I-95 South to Exit 160A and merge onto I-20 BUS East/David H. McLeod Blvd. At the first light, turn right onto West Radio Drive. The Florence Center is located 1 block on your left.
From South of Florence: I-95 N: Coming from locations South of Florence, SC: Take I-95 North to Exit 160A and merge onto I-20 BUS East/David H. McLeod Blvd. At the first light, turn right onto West Radio Drive. The Florence Center is located 1 block on your left.
From East of Florence: US-76 W: Coming from locations East of Florence, SC: Take US-76 West into Florence. Turn right onto David H McLeod Blvd. Turn left onto West Radio Drive. The Florence Center is located 1 block on your left.
From West of Florence: I-20 E: Coming from locations West of Florence, SC: Take I-20 East until you reach I-20 BUS East at Florence. At the first light, turn right onto West Radio Drive. The Florence Center is located 1 block on your left.
General