College of Central Florida Spring Commencement: A Guide for Graduates and Guests

The College of Central Florida (CF) is preparing to celebrate its annual commencement ceremony, a momentous occasion for graduates and their loved ones. This article provides comprehensive information regarding the Spring 2026 commencement, designed to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all involved. On behalf of the University of Central Florida, we look forward to celebrating with you at the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies that will take place in May. I am very excited to extend my congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2026.

Ceremony Details

The College of Central Florida’s annual commencement will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the World Equestrian Center (WEC), Expo Center 1, located at 1751 N.W. The ceremony is for graduates of Baccalaureate degrees, Associate in Science degrees, and certificates.

Location and Access

The ceremony will take place at the World Equestrian Center (WEC), Expo Center 1, located at 1751 N.W. For the easiest access, graduates and their guests should use the second entrance going west on State Road 40.

Important Information for Graduates

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from the College of Central Florida. Your application for graduation will be processed immediately following the end of the semester you have or anticipated to graduate from. Graduates from Fall 2025 and Summer 2026 may choose to walk in the Spring 2026 commencement. CF does not conduct summer or fall graduation ceremonies.

Participation and Regalia

We encourage you to attend the graduation ceremony. Graduates who wish to participate in the ceremony will need to purchase their caps and gowns. The last day to order graduation regalia before additional rush shipping fees is March 27. Please order online for custom sizes.

Ceremony Check-in and Procession

There will be no rehearsal prior to the ceremony. Ceremony check-in begins 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony but please arrive at The World Equestrian Center (WEC) no later than one hour prior so that your guests have time to find a seat and you can be assembled and ready to march in your cap and gown. When you arrive, proceed to Expo Center 1 where you will check in for the ceremony and be given a card with your name printed on it. Keep this with you and hand it to the narrator when you approach the stage. Your name will be announced as you walk across the stage. We do not line up in any alphabetical or ranked order.

Honors Designation

NOTE: For purposes of recognition at the graduation ceremony, an Honors designation is based on all grades from all previous semesters.

Seating and Conduct

Graduates are expected to return to their seat after walking across the stage and stay for the entire ceremony.

Accommodations

If you will need any accommodations at the ceremony, please contact Cindy Pfriender at 352-873-5800, ext. 1580.

Photography

GradImages® will be photographing all graduates at the upcoming graduation ceremony. This will make viewing and ordering your photos after the event easy - your loved ones will thank you!

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Diploma and Transcripts

Your official diploma will be sent within six to eight weeks, to the current address on file. Certification of degrees/certificates is completed once the semester is finalized and grades are reported. Grades are due on the Monday after the semester ends and the certification process immediately follows. Graduates should confirm or update their permanent address in the MyCF student portal. Transcripts that show your credential has been awarded are available approximately 1-2 weeks after grades are reported.

Contact Information

Should you have questions regarding the graduation ceremony, please contact Donna Jernigan at 352-854-2322, extension 1307. For inquiries concerning your graduation requirements, contact your advisor, extension 1489.

Information for Guests

Tickets

All guests, including children and infants, need a ticket for admission. Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union.

Notable Figures and Their Contributions

Throughout his career, Salow specialized in identifying opportunities to create value through strategic technology solutions. He held senior technology roles at Aetna and Lehman Brothers, later serving as senior vice president of technology infrastructure and global CIO at American Express. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the CIO. He has served on advisory boards for global companies such as Avaya, British Petroleum, IBM and Kleiner Perkins, and received recognition from CIO Magazine, Pace University, and Stockton University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

After serving as the 10th chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign since 2016, Robert Jones will assume the role of the 34th president of the University of Washington on Aug. 1, 2025. A respected leader in higher education, Jones has served as chair of the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the Big Ten Council of Chancellors and Presidents. Jones holds degrees from Fort Valley State College, the University of Georgia and the University of Missouri.

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Karen Irwin serves as president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort. She oversees Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk and the brand-new, transformational Universal Epic Universe.

In her current role, Ghyabi-White is a consultant to the Florida Department of Transportation and local governments on complex infrastructure projects throughout the State of Florida. Ghyabi-White serves as external advisory board member for the University of Florida Transportation Institute and is an adjunct professor of civil engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is also part of numerous other boards including the St. Ghyabi-White is a visionary who leads with grace and blazes trails where others see barriers.

Kanouff is an Emmy award-winning technologist. She has held presidential and C-suite roles at various companies and focuses on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity and quantum. Her many industry accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in engineering and technology, a Vanguard Award for leadership in cable and TV science and technology, an Industry Pioneer Award, two company Emmy’s (Video on Demand and Cloud DVR), and Top Techie Award. Kanouff began her career in mathematics and artificial intelligence development. She is a two-time alum with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics. She’s also earned a Professional Achievement Award from UCF’s College of Sciences.

Shujaat is responsible for connecting clients, teammates and communities to the full power of the franchise, driving integration across eight lines of business. He oversees efforts to grow market share by fostering local connections and identifying opportunities to grow and deepen client relationships. Shujaat serves on the Board of the Heart of Florida United Way and has been a regular volunteer with Project Downtown, Second Harvest Food Bank and serves on the board of a local private school. Naveed has resided in Central Florida for more than 40 years. Salow is a supporter of UCF’s College of Medicine. Glen and his wife, Rosemary, began their support through scholarships aimed at increasing the number of trained physicians in the community.

Graduation Photo Locations

The Reflecting Pond is one of the most iconic spots on campus for grad photos. UCF Downtown offers several great locations for unforgettable graduation photos. Celebrate your college journey by honoring your support system at the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons West Lobby donor wall. The Seneff Plaza, located between the East and West Wings of Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, is where so many campus events and gatherings take place. The towering columns and reflective glass of Dr. Enhance your graduation photos by venturing beyond campus into the surrounding Orlando area. You barely have to step off campus to encounter the iconic Orlando sign located at Luminary Green Park.

UCF Degree Statistics

This would be the first spring in which UCF awards more than 9,000 degrees. And UCF produces such record numbers of high-achieving graduates - and nationally ranked student outcomes - efficiently. UCF serves more of Florida’s students than any other university. Of all degrees, the College of Sciences will award 27%, with fields like digital media, chemistry and physics. The College of Business will award 13%, including disciplines such as finance and accounting. More than half of bachelor’s degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, showcasing the university’s commitment to supporting students of all backgrounds.

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