Congratulations Class of 2024

All students must fulfill the general criteria to graduate from the College, regardless of the degree or certificate they will receive. 

The final responsibility for meeting the requirements for graduation rests with the student. 

If the student is in doubt about course, program or College requirements, the student should contact an academic advisor for clarification and guidance. 

Students also are encouraged to periodically check their academic progress located in Workday to verify the status of their degree requirements. 

For a detailed outline of all the requirements for graduation please see the College Catalog Academic Policies  section. 

 

The minimum requirement for all students is as follows: 

• Satisfy all outstanding obligations, financial or otherwise, to the College. 

• Ensure all required official and complete high school and postsecondary transcripts have been received by the College. 

• Complete at least 25 percent of the degree program at Palm Beach State, also known as “courses in residence” (no relationship to in-state resident tuition). Transfer coursework, credits-by-exam, and credits for prior learning cannot be used to satisfy the course residency requirement. 

• Complete required program-specific General Education courses with a grade of C or higher. 

• Complete all course requirements as specified in the program of study published in the effective catalog. 

• Earn a program of study grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. 

• Satisfy the Foreign Language Requirement. 

• Satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency Requirement (including the FCLE) as determined by the academic term of entry.  

To check to see if you have met all your degree requirements: 

Step 1: Login to Workday 

Step 2: Go to your picture in the top right corner of the page 

• Select the Academics tab 
• Click on Academic Progress 

All areas should show Satisfied or In Progress of Fall 2024 coursework. If not, please contact your academic advisor. 

 

Who can I speak to if I want to ensure that I have met all my requirements to graduate?  

If you want to check your status or have additional questions, contact your academic advisor for assistance at least 15 business days before the end of the academic term. 

Academic Advisors can be contacted for assistance through:  

• Navigate
• Virtually through our advising queues.
• Visiting one of our five campus locations for in-person assistance.  |  View Hours

No application is required to graduate but you must RSVP before the deadline (December 2, 2024) to participate in the ceremony. 

If you DID NOT receive an email about graduation by November 29, 2024, and you are certain you should be graduating, please contact the Academic Advising Department.

Do I need to complete any other tasks? 

• Purchase your cap and gown at your local campus bookstore. 
• Cap and gown distribution begins on November 18, 2024 at your campus bookstore. 
• Honor society members should contact their society advisor for special regalia. 
  • The bookstore does not have honor society regalia. 
  • The graduation office does not issue any regalia, cords or stoles.

The State of Florida requires students to meet a Civic Literacy requirement to graduate with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or bachelor’s degree.  To meet this requirement, a student must take and pass POS1041 Introduction to American Government or AMH2020 U.S. History after 1865 to present and as applicable the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE).

 

Is Civic Literacy a Graduation Requirement?
Yes. A student seeking an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or bachelor’s degree will have to demonstrate competency before being awarded a degree.

 

Who should take the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)?
Prior to the award of an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or baccalaureate degree any student entering a Florida College System institution in the 2018-19 school year, and thereafter must demonstrate competency in civic literacy before graduation.

In Fall of 2022, and thereafter, students receiving an Associate in Arts (A.A.) Associate in Science (A.S.)/ Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) or baccalaureate degree must also demonstrate civic literacy competency.

 

How do I meet the Civic Literacy requirement? 
Beginning in 2022-23, both an assessment and a course are required to meet the civic literacy competency requirements for A.A., A.S. and baccalaureate students.  There are a few options to meet the course and assessment options:

Course Requirements — Students must successfully pass one of the following with a grade of C or higher:

AMH 2020: United States History from 1877 to Present
Or
POS 1041: American National Government

 

Civic Literacy assessment options and standard scores:

• Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE) – Score of 48 (or higher) out of 80 (at least 60%)
• CLEP American Government – Score of 50 (or higher) out of 80 (Will satisfy both course and assessment)
• AP American Government – Score of 3 (or higher) out of 5 (Will satisfy both course and assessment)
• AP United States History – Score of 4 (or higher) out of 5

 

When should I take the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE)?
The exam should be taken before a student’s final semester but no later than 15 business days before the end of the academic term.  This is to ensure that the student’s degree can be awarded on the College’s conferral date for the term.  Students who take the FCLE after this window may not have their degree conferred until the end of the next academic term and may not be able to participate in the ceremony.

 

How can I prepare for the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE)?
PBSC is offering several ways to support students to prepare for the FCLE.
Check out the many resources we have available to assist you in preparing to take your exam, By enrolling in our Graduation Awaits Canvas Course.  Click here to self-enroll and access the course materials.  Log into the canvas shell and complete a short survey to let us know if you (a) would attend the FREE FCLE bootcamp or (b) can study on your own and plan to pass the FCLE.  

The Library Learning Resources Centers offers a libguide to support students in understanding the requirements and help with preparation to pass the exam.  

Additional resources to support you. 

• Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE) Sample Items
• Supplemental Guide for the Florida Civic Literacy Examination
• FCLE Online Practice Test - You will have to take the practice exam as a guest. You cannot create your own account in the practice system. A score will not be provided at the end of the test. The answers to all online practice questions can be found in the FCLE Sample Items PDF document.

 

What does the FCLE cover? 
The FCLE assesses students' civic literacy competency. It includes 80 multiple-choice questions and four domains with 20 questions in each section (American Democracy, United States Constitution, Founding Documents, and Landmark Impact on Law and Society).

The passing score for the FCLE is 60%. 

For PBSC students, the first exam is free. Should a retake be needed, a $10 fee would apply.  For non-PBSC students, a fee of $10 will apply and thereafter. View testing fees.

Candidates can attempt an unlimited number of exams. Students cannot retest on the same day of taking this exam.

 

How do I take the test?
Students should speak with an academic advisor before contacting the testing center to schedule an appointment. 

Students can make an appointment to take the exam in the testing center using the College’s website. 

For PBSC students, the first exam is free. Should a retake be needed, a $10 fee would apply.  View testing fees.

Candidates can attempt an unlimited number of exams. Students cannot retest on the same day of taking this exam.

If you want to check your status or have additional questions, contact your academic advisor for assistance by either:

• Navigate
• Virtually through our advising queues.
• Visiting one of our five campus locations for in-person assistance.  |  View Hours

What if I complete my requirements in the Summer academic term. Can I participate in Fall commencement? 
All 2024 Summer term program completers are invited to the Fall 2024 commencement ceremony.

 

If I have outstanding requirements/classes, and will complete my requirements/classes, in the Spring term, may I participate in Fall Commencement? 
Due to capacity limitations at venues, students that complete their program of study during the Spring term will be invited to the Spring commencement ceremony. Spring completion candidates will not be invited to participate in the Fall commencement ceremony. All Spring term program completers are invited to the Spring commencement ceremony.

 

If I participate in the Fall Commencement ceremony and completed my program during the Summer academic term, will my name appear in the Fall commencement booklet? 
Summer graduates will appear in the Fall Commencement booklet.

Diploma information 

Palm Beach State College provides all graduates with one courtesy degree or certificate. In addition, a digital copy will be made available to you.  

• Your full legal name, EXACTLY as it appears in Workday, will be on your diploma. Please review for spelling, capitalization, incorrect suffixes, etc. and make corrections before the end of the semester. Palm Beach State College will not be responsible for incorrect spelling, capitalization, incorrect suffixes, etc. 

• Any changes to your legal name need to be submitted in Workday as soon as possible. (Documentation for legal name changes is required) 

• Palm Beach State College cannot guarantee your correct name will be reflected on your degree if the request is submitted 15 business days before degree conferral or if it has already occurred.   

• Please do not place an order for your diploma. It will be automatically mailed to the address on file in Workday.  

• Confirm your mailing address is correct in Workday; PBSC is not responsible for undeliverable diplomas. (Requests for replacement diplomas will be charged $50/each by our third-party vendor) 

• Transcripts are the official proof of degree conferral – if an employer or school is requesting verification of your degree, please confirm if they want a transcript or diploma before placing an order. 

Financial holds prevent grades, transcripts, and diplomas from being released. 

Transcripts reflect your degree has been conferred and can be ordered online. Your credentials (degrees and certificates) will be reflected on transcripts upon conferral. 

 

When will I receive my certificate or diploma?

Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony.  It takes about 8-12 weeks to confer degrees and prepare them for all program completers. Once the certificates and diplomas are ready, they will be mailed via the United States Postal Service to the address on file in your student Workday record.  Palm Beach State College is not responsible for diplomas that are lost, damaged, or not delivered due to an incomplete or incorrect mailing address. 

• Fall Graduates should anticipate receiving their certificate or diploma no later than the last day of March.
• Spring Graduates should anticipate receiving their certificate or diploma no later than the last day of August. 
• Summer Graduates should anticipate receiving their certificate or diploma no later than the last day in October.

 

Where will my diploma be sent?
Diplomas will be sent to the mailing address that is in your Workday Student portal. If your address has changed, please update it within 7 business days of your degree conferral.  This ensures that your certificate or diploma will be delivered to you.

 

I need to prove that I have completed my program for another school or my employer, How do I prove that I have graduated? 
Should an employer or future school need proof that you graduated before you have received your diploma, you can order an official transcript that will reflect your awarded degree. Official transcripts will reflect your program of study completion/conferral date. Employers and other schools usually want your official transcript, and not a copy of your diploma.

Transcripts are the official proof of degree conferral. You may order the record now and select-hold for degree and the record will be sent on your behalf as soon as the degree is posted to your academic record.  

Degree posting can take up to 7 days after the conferral date.

Transcripts can be requested via our credentialing service, Parchment.  It will require you to provide your personal information as well as the recipient of the transcript.  Orders are usually fulfilled within 1-3 business days. Please visit the transcripts web page for more information.  

 

I did not receive my certificate or diploma, what should I do?

If it has been more than 6 months since the anticipated date for the receipt of your degree, you may order a new diploma via our credentialing partner, Parchment.  

• Fall Graduates should anticipate receiving their certificate or diploma no later than the last day of March. 
• Spring Graduates should anticipate receiving their certificate or diploma no later than the last day of August. 
• Summer Graduates should anticipate receiving their certificate or diploma no later than the last day in October.

 

I moved and my diploma was not forwarded to me, what should I do?   

Palm Beach State College is not responsible for diplomas that are lost, damaged, or not delivered due to an incomplete or incorrect mailing address. 

Diplomas returned to Palm Beach State College will be held in the graduation office on the Lake Worth campus for 6 months. You may email the graduation office to inquire if your diploma has been returned as undeliverable. 

Any unclaimed diplomas or any diplomas returned as undeliverable by the USPS will be discarded after 6 months and must be reordered with full payment.  

If it has been less than 6 months, please contact the graduation office for assistance.

 

I want to have multiple certificates/diplomas; how can I order them? 
Once you have received the courtesy degree and confirmed all the information is correct. you may place an order for a duplicate diploma here: Parchment

Once your degree or certificate is conferred (posted) on your academic transcript your program status will be changed to non-degree seeking. Non-degree-seeking students are not financial aid eligible. 

If you plan to pursue an additional degree or certificate, a program of study change through Workday will be required.  This change can be made in advance to be effective for the next academic term.   

Not submitting a change of program may have an adverse impact on your eligibility for financial aid. 

Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor to understand their next steps and options to continue their studies.

 

How do I submit a program of study change?
Students can submit a program of study change in Workday.  Please use this link for instructions to submit the form. It will require you to sign in using your PBSC credentials. Requests are processed in the order received and can take 15-20 business days to process. If you need assistance, please contact Admissions. 

 

Can I take classes as a non-degree-seeking student?
Yes, you can take classes as a non-degree-seeking student.  Students who are non-degree seeking are not eligible to receive financial aid. 

 

Can I still take classes using the degree that was just conferred instead of being non-degree seeking? 
Once a degree is conferred, students without a program of study change become non-degree seeking and no additional classes will be used for that conferred degree. Students can declare a new program of study or take courses as a non-degree-seeking student. You are encouraged to speak with an Academic Advisor regarding your next steps.

 

I am applying to a limited access program and need to take some pre-requisite courses; can I use that program objective?
Students can not declare a limited access program as their program of study.  The student must apply and be accepted to a limited-access program. If a student needs to take additional courses, they can take them as non-degree-seeking student.  You are encouraged to speak with an Academic Advisor regarding your next steps. 

Graduation Office

Email: graduation@palmbeachstate.edu

Do I need to RSVP for graduation? 

• Yes. Please check your Palm Beach State College email after November 8, 2024 for RSVP instructions. 

• The RSVP deadline is Friday, December 2, 2024 

• Students that RSVP will receive instructions on how to access their tickets. 

• Students that have not received an invitation but believe they are eligible to graduate, and students that have NOT RSVP’d by the deadline may meet with their academic advisor to review their record and receive permission to participate in the ceremony.  This permission will allow them to purchase regalia and order guest tickets – Tickets are not guaranteed for students who have not RSVP’d. 

• We encourage all graduates to attend and celebrate together, however, ceremony attendance does not confirm degree completion. Grades are not finalized at the time of the ceremony.   All requirements for your degree program must be completed for your degree to be conferred.

Do my guests need tickets?  

• Yes, all students will be given access to order up to 7 tickets for family and friends. Tickets are allocated based on the size of the gradation class and the number of available seats in the venue to ensure that each graduate can invite the maximum number of guests possible. 

• Children two years old and older are required to have a ticket. 

• Tickets are digital for this Graduation ceremony.

• Tickets are ceremony specific therefore, tickets are not interchangeable from one ceremony to another – they are authorized for specific times.

• Tickets will be ordered through the Universe ticketing website, with the link and access code provided in your RSVP confirmation email.

• Guests will not be admitted to the venue without a ticket.

• Graduates should ensure that all guests have been provided tickets prior to the ceremony.

• Graduates can transfer their tickets electronically (via Apple or Google Wallet apps) or print the pdf tickets they will receive from Universe after placing their order.

• Each ticket will work for ONE entry only. If you print multiple copies of the same ticket, only the first one scanned will work. Please be mindful for your guests, family and friends.

• If you have issues with your graduation tickets from the Universe website, please contact Universe’s customer service here: https://support.universe.com/hc/en-us

• Amphitheater seating is general admission and first come, first served.

• Admission gates for guests will open 1 hour prior to the ceremony start time.

• Seating will not be permitted on the grassy area.

• Chairs/blankets will not be allowed.

• A no re-entry policy will be enforced.

  

If I need extra tickets, what should I do? 
Requests for additional tickets in advance cannot be honored. There is not a list to be added to or a ticket lottery. We encourage graduates to reach out to fellow graduates about additional tickets. 

• If tickets become available, you will receive a text message and/or email from PBSC and/or the Universe ticketing platform advising that there are extra tickets available. This announcement will come no earlier than December 09, 2024 at noon. 

• You will be able to access additional tickets, if available, via the same link and access code you used for your original order.

• If extra tickets become available, there will be a limit per graduate based on availability and we cannot guarantee that everyone in your party will receive a ticket. All guests over the age of two need a ticket to enter the venue.

• Graduation announcements cannot be used for admission.

  

What if I do not need all my tickets? 
Make arrangements to give them to another graduate in need.  

If you or any of your guests need to request disability-related accommodations, contact  The Center for Student Accessibility  as soon as possible for appropriate accommodations. The venue has limited accessible seating. 

• Please note that seating will be provided for guests using wheelchairs. Out of respect for other guests, companion seats will be limited to 1. 
• Emotional support animals are not permitted at iThink Amphitheatre.  Only animals trained to assist visitors with disabilities are permitted. 

Note: Commencement requires a walk from the graduate seating area to the stage and back.

Graduates participating in the commencement ceremonies are required to wear official PBSC regalia available exclusively through the Bookstore. 

Regalia includes your cap, gown and tassel.

 

How do I purchase my Regalia? 
Regalia distribution begins on November 18, 2024. Students may come to their campus bookstore to purchase and pick up their cap, gowns and tassels on or after November 18, 2024. 

 

Online Cap & Gown Ordering 
Online ordering for caps & gowns is available. If you have not pre-ordered your regalia, you will be able to purchase directly from your bookstore starting November 18, 2024.

 

Pricing 
Associate & Bachelor: 

Graduate gown w/custom logo embroidered = Retail is $45.50 + tax 

Tassel w/custom signet  =  Retail is $11.50 + tax 

SF Cap =  Retail is $7.00 + tax 

Total set is $64.00 + tax 

 

What should I wear under my regalia? 
This is an outdoor ceremony so please wear weather appropriate clothing under your gown. PBSC prefers that students wear comfortable sneakers or flats as you will be standing for long periods of time walking up and down steps to the stage.  For your safety, students and guests are discouraged from wearing high heels, pumps or stilettos.

 

How do I know what Regalia to wear? 
Only the approved academic adornments below can be worn with the academic regalia for Commencement.  Please contact your society advisor for access to academic adornments/stoles/cords. The graduation office does not have access to any regalia. 

All tassels should be worn on the right side. 

The standard approved academic regalia are: 

Associate: Black Gown 

Bachelor's: Green Gown 

Certificates (CCC - CCP): Black Gown 

PBSC Stole of Gratitude (available at your local PBSC bookstore) 

 

In addition, the following are the approved academic regalia for Honor's societies members: 

• Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College - Medallion 
• Bachelor's Degree Program Scholars Club - Black Stole with gold lettering 
• Delta Mu Delta - Purple and gold stole with purple and gold cords 
• Dental Honors Society - White stole with blue edging and lilac tassel 
• Lambda Epsilon Chi Paralegal Honor Society - Purple stole with gold Greek letters and gold edging 
• Radiography Honors Society - Gold stole with Greek burgundy letters (Lambda Nu) & Maroon tassel 
• Respiratory Honors Society - Gold pin 
• Omicron Sigma Sigma - Blue stole with gold greek letters and blue and gold cords 
• Phi Beta Lambda - Sapphire blue or gold stole and royal blue and gold cords 
• PSI Beta - Medallion 
• Phi Theta Kappa - Gold stole with blue Greek letters and gold tassel with Greek letters 
• Phi Theta Kappa (approved officers) - Medallion 
• Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society - Medallion; Forest green stole with gold/forest green cord and tassels 
• Sigma Iota Xi - Purple stole and cord 
• Student Ambassador - White stole with gold lettering and green edging 
• Student Government Association - Green and gold stole 
• Veteran Military Service Members and Dependents - Red, white and blue cord  

PantherPride Cords 
This honorary cord signifies your pride as an alumnus and a lifelong PBSC Panther! In honor of your graduation, we invite the Class of 2024 to make a gift of $20.24 and receive your Panther Pride Cord. 

Panther Cords may be  purchased online by clicking the “Panther Pride Cord, option and completing the form.  

Panther Cords will be available for pick up and for purchase on the day of Commencement (Cashless payments only).  Supplies may be limited. 

  

Bachelor's Stoles 
Bachelor Stoles may be  purchased online by clicking the “Bachelor Stole” option and completing the form. 

Stoles will be available for pick up and for purchase on the day of Commencement (Cashless payments only).  Supplies may be limited. 

May I decorate my gown? 
Your gown should not be modified with any additional decorations.

 

May I decorate my cap? 
Yes, you may decorate your cap. Please follow the guideline below: 

• Graduation cap decorations must lay flat against the cap and extend no higher than the cap button. 
• Stagnant LED lights are permitted. 
• Moving or flashing lights are not permitted. 
• Language on decorated caps must be appropriate for a family-friendly event.

 

May I decorate my sneakers/shoes? 
Everyone is encouraged to wear flats or sneakers to the ceremony.  Be creative!

Directions to iThink Amphitheater –  Click the link and enter your starting address.

Guests can enter the Amphitheater from Gate 2 off of Sansbury Way.    

Parking at the venue is free, and will be available on a first come, first served basis. 

• Please follow all instructions provided by parking attendants and Palm Beach County Sheriff, as well as Palm Beach State College Security Team. 
• Limited accessible (permit required) parking is available first come, first served.  
• Graduates who require accessible parking should contact the Center for Student Accessibility for guidance. 

The commencement will be livestreamed so that family and friends can watch from home.  The link will appear on the  Graduation website  48 hours before the day of the ceremony.

Before The Ceremony

• This is an outdoor ceremony.  Please wear weather appropriate clothing under your gown.  You will walk up and downstairs to the stage.  Wearing high heels, pumps, or stilettos is discouraged. 

• Graduates are encouraged to arrive early for parking, security screening, check-in, and seating. 

• Arrive dressed in your cap and gown and report to the student check-in area at the South Entrance; please follow the signs and guidance of our volunteers. 

• Guests, including children, will NOT be able to enter with Graduates, NO EXCEPTIONS. 

• Graduates will be permitted to enter the Amphitheater with keys and phone. Your personal belongings (purses, etc.) must be secured in your car or with a friend or family member. 

• Pick up your name card at check-in. (You will hand this card to the Name Announcer who will read your name as you cross the stage.)  

• Be prepared to write the phonetic spelling of your name on your card, so that your name is pronounced correctly. 

• The main entrance will open for ticketed guests 1 hour before the ceremony start time, and all guests should be seated 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. 

• Guests are discouraged from bringing any bags to expedite the security screening. 

• All bags are subject to be searched by security before entry to the venue. Guests that must bring bags are permitted one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm.   

• This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions.  The only exceptions are diaper bags and bags of medical necessity.        

 

During The Ceremony 

• Women should keep their caps on throughout the ceremony. Men should remove their caps for the National Anthem. 

• Graduates will line up, and be escorted to the platform for individual recognition. Please hand your name card to the announcer. 

• When you cross the platform, the president will shake your hand and hand your diploma cover to you. Your picture will be taken. 

• Leave the platform by the opposite stairs, have your picture taken again, and return to your row and seat. 

• A photographer will take your picture as you greet the president and again after you exit the platform. 

• All graduates and their guests are expected to remain in their seats until the entire ceremony is over. Please plan for approximately 2 1/2 hours, from the beginning of the ceremony. 

• Guests are required to remain seated and clear of the processional area on the concourse during the ceremony.  Non-compliance may result in ejection from the venue.

 

After The Ceremony 

• At the conclusion of the ceremony, you will be dismissed from your seat after the platform party and the faculty have exited. 

• We request that students and families consider clearing the venue as soon as the ceremony ends, so that preparations can begin for the following ceremony. 

• After the college has verified that all degree requirements have been met, diplomas will be mailed to the address listed in Student Workday in approximately 8 -12 weeks. Please confirm the address in Workday is correct.  

• The professional photography company will provide your proofs and photos upon the availability of your individual photographs. www.gradimages.com  

• Note: Once a degree has been earned, your program status will automatically change to non-degree-seeking. 

• Students who plan to pursue an additional degree or certificate must submit a Change Program of Study form through Workday. Not doing so will have an adverse impact on a student's eligibility for financial aid.   

• No one is allowed onto the stage or processional area, in the aisles, or entrance ways to take pictures.  
• Palm Beach State has hired a professional photography company to take photos of each candidate crossing the stage and a photo receiving the diploma cover. Graduates will receive information on how to purchase photos from www.GradImages.com  
• The College will also have additional photographers available and will create a photo album of the overall event that will be posted to the  Graduation website. (Photos of specific graduates are not guaranteed.)