Winter 2026 Commencement

Graduation is the completion of your academic requirements and is an official academic status.

Commencement is a formal ceremony that celebrates your graduation and indicates the beginning of a new chapter.

Graduation and the Commencement ceremony are separate:

• You do not need to attend Commencement to graduate. 
• Attending Commencement does not mean you have graduated. 
• Final graduation status is confirmed after the ceremony, once all grades are processed and we verify that all academic requirements have been completed.
   

The commencement exercise is a formal academic ceremony. We ask that all guests respect the ceremony. The points listed below are meant to ensure that our graduates and guests have the most enjoyable day possible. 

• The ceremony typically lasts approximately two hours. Graduates will be seated together for the entire ceremony. 
• The cap is worn flat on the head. 
• Tassels are worn on the right side and shifted to the left when graduates receive their diplomas. 
• Plan on arriving at least an hour before the ceremony and allow ample time to find parking and register. 
• Cellular phones and other electronic equipment should be turned off or silenced during the ceremony. 
• Please do not chew gum during the ceremony. 
• Graduates and guests should be respectful during the ceremony. 
• Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the event. 
• Graduates may not bring pets, babies or young children to participate in the ceremony with them. 
• Only authorized photographers and Commencement staff are permitted on the stage area before, during and after the ceremony. 
• Please use designated photo area located at the back of the venue after the ceremony.
• Commencement closes with the recessional of graduates, faculty and, college leadership. Guests are asked to remain at their seats until the conclusion of the ceremony.

Need more information? For specific commencement questions, contact Lauren Gaecke at 920-735-4763 or email graduation@fvtc.edu. 

Please watch the rehearsal video for general information on your upcoming ceremony. Ceremony specific information will be texted and emailed to you.
 

Tickets are required at the December ceremony at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Tickets are not required at the May ceremony at the Kolf Sports Center.

If one of your guests requires accessible seating, please indicate this on your RSVP through Tassel. Specific information will be emailed to students close to the ceremony date for your guests. 

If you need assistance as a graduate email graduation@fvtc.edu so that we can ensure we have your accommodation needs met.

Please plan for Commencement to last two hours.

If you did not participate in the commencement ceremony, a cover will be available at no cost after the ceremony date.  Please stop by the Welcome Center on the Appleton Campus or at any regional center.  

Programs that are eligible for a diploma cover are Associate or Technical Degrees.  Programs that are not eligible for a diploma cover are Nursing Assistant, Truck Driving, Law Enforcement Recruit Academy and Certificates.

Professional photos taken of you at the ceremony will be uploaded to your Tassel account. You must opt into this process through the Tassel platform to have photos linked. Instructions will be sent to your FVTC email.

For specific commencement questions, contact Lauren Gaecke at 920-735-4763 or email graduation@fvtc.edu.