Spring 2026 Commencement

Spring-2020-Commencement

The Commencement Ceremony for the Spring 2026 graduates of Fox Valley Technical College will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm. We are so proud of all of our graduates—for your resilience, your dedication and your spirit. A graduation ceremony marks the end of a journey, but it’s also a beginning. Let’s celebrate that together.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time of Ceremony: 1 p.m.
Location: Kolf Sports Center, Oshkosh, WI

Commencement Admission Details

Leave Valuables with Family

Please leave your valuables (purse, coat, etc.) with your family or friends. There is NO secure location within the building.

Do Not Leave Items Unattended

Items cannot be left at the entrance. Unattended items will be inspected and discarded. Fox Valley Technical College and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

All Bags Subject to Search

All bags (to include but not limited to handbags, briefcases, camera bags, diaper bags, clutches, and purses) and strollers are subject to search prior to entry into the venue.

Guest Tickets

Tickets are not required for guests to attend the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

We encourage students to limit the number of guests to no more than 8 so that there is space for everyone to enjoy the day.

Order Cap & Gown

Purchase a cap and gown in the Bookstore located in E135 on the Appleton Campus.

Full packages including cap, gown and tassles are $38.50 plus tax. Individual tassles may be purchased for $8 plus tax.

Questions? Contact: 920-735-4732.

Commencement Ceremony FAQ

Graduation and 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.

Commencement Etiquette

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.

Is there a graduation rehearsal for the commencement ceremony?

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

Do guests need tickets to attend the ceremony?

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.

How do I get my diploma cover if I didn't participate in the ceremony?

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.

How do I receive my professional graduation pictures taken at the ceremony?

A professional photographer from GradImages will take photos of each graduate on the day of the ceremony. If you have questions, you can contact GradImages Customer Service at 800-261-2576.

Need more information?

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

Winter Commencement by the Numbers

Graduates

Students Graduating With Honors

Above a 3.5 GPA

Associate Degrees and Technical Diplomas Awarded

Winter 2025 Commencement

On Friday, December 12, Fox Valley Technical College hosted its Winter 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the PAC in Appleton.

Chris Dexter, a graduate of the part-time Associate Degree Nursing program, delivered the student commencement address. The commencement speaker was Kate Konen, Culinary Solutions Chef at Jones Dairy Farm. Kate made FVTC history by being the first community speaker who previously served as a student speaker. She was selected to address her fellow graduates during the Winter Class of 2015 commencement ceremony.

In all, 574 associate degrees and technical diplomas were awarded to graduates during this term.

Commencement Ceremony Commencement Program