What to expect on your big day
Commencement is more than just a ceremony — it's a celebration of your hard work, your growth, and your journey at St. Petersburg College. As you prepare to cross the stage and take the next step, we want you to feel confident and excited about what to expect on this special day. Whether you're walking with friends, waving to family in the crowd, or sharing the livestream with loved ones at home, your moment is almost here. The ceremony is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes depending on the number of graduates.
SPC’s 148th Commencement Ceremony – Fall 2025
Date: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. (Doors Open at 5 p.m.)
Location: The BayCare Sound, Coachman Park, Clearwater, FL 33755
Family members and guests who are unable to attend can watch from the comfort of home at http://stpe.co/graduationlivestream.
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, First to Finish and Veterans Services cords. These cords are distributed 30-45 minutes ahead of the event.
- 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.
- 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 under Graduation Requirements 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 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
Commencement is a ceremony celebrate your achievements, and you are encouraged to bring as many guests as you like.
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 that does not disrupt others.
After all graduates have crossed the stage and President Williams gives her closing remarks, graduates will recess out of the venue.
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.