{"id":150111,"date":"2025-12-05T09:30:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T14:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=150111"},"modified":"2025-12-09T10:51:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:51:13","slug":"ucfs-fall-2025-commencement-set-for-dec-12-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucfs-fall-2025-commencement-set-for-dec-12-13\/","title":{"rendered":"UCF\u2019s Fall 2025 Commencement Set for Dec. 12-13"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leaders transforming aviation, finance, science learning and higher education will take the stage to address fall graduates during four commencement<\/a> ceremonies Dec. 12-13 at Addition Financial Arena.<\/p>\n

Graduates will hear from four esteemed speakers \u2014 Lance Lyttle, CEO for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority; Joe Nunziata, CEO for Acrisure Mortgage; JoAnn Newman, president and CEO for the Orlando Science Center; and Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College \u2014 whose leadership and impact span some of Central Florida\u2019s most influential industries.<\/p>\n

UCF will award more than 6,000 degrees during this fall<\/a>\u2019s commencement ceremonies, continuing its record-setting momentum in preparing highly skilled graduates for in-demand fields, including engineering, computer science, nursing, and digital and emerging media. The university awards over 18,000 degrees annually, including more bachelor\u2019s degrees in engineering and nursing than any other institution in the state. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida\u2019s economic and population growth.<\/p>\n

UCF serves\u202fmore of Florida\u2019s students than any other university. More than\u202f90%\u202fof UCF\u2019s undergraduate students are Florida residents, and most will stay in Florida after they graduate, with\u202f85%\u202fof UCF\u2019s new graduates remaining in Florida.<\/p>\n

Of all degrees, the\u202fCollege of Sciences<\/a>\u202fwill award 25%, with fields like digital media, chemistry and physics. The\u202fCollege of Business<\/a> will award 15%, including disciplines such as finance and accounting. The\u202fCollege of Engineering and Computer Science<\/a> will award 15%, representing fields such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science.<\/p>\n

About 54% of the bachelor\u2019s degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, showcasing the university\u2019s commitment to students of all backgrounds. Additionally, about 31% of all bachelor’s degrees will be awarded to first-generation students who will be the first in their families to graduate from college.<\/p>\n

Commencement Festivities<\/h3>\n

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, fall commencement will take place Dec. 12-13.<\/p>\n

All guests, including children and infants,\u202fneed a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.<\/p>\n

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the\u202flive ceremony via a simulcast viewing<\/a>\u202fin the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed on\u202fUCF\u2019s YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Commencement Photo-ops Across UCF<\/h3>\n

Main Campus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two photo-ops are available for students to celebrate their accomplishments.<\/p>\n

The Reflecting Pond is one of the most iconic spots on campus for grad photos. Strike a pose and make memories Dec. 1-14.<\/p>\n

On Thursday, Dec. 11, 2:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), fall graduates are invited to a photo-op \u2014 Grad Walk<\/a> \u2014 within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage.\u202fGraduates are required to register here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House Stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.<\/p>\n

UCF Downtown<\/strong><\/p>\n

UCF Downtown offers several great locations for\u202funforgettable graduation photos<\/a>. Here are our top picks of the best spots to memorialize your academic achievement.<\/p>\n

Celebrate your college journey by honoring your support system at the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons West Lobby donor wall. Use the iconic phrase, \u201cIf you want to go far, go together,\u201d on the donor wall as a backdrop to pay homage to those who helped you along the way.<\/p>\n

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. Phillips Academic Commons capture the modern campus where you worked so hard to earn your degree.<\/p>\n

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 locatedat Luminary Green Park. The 2.3-acre park features a large, welcoming lawn that leads up to the oversized \u201cOrlando\u201d letters at the end of the park, creating the ideal environment to mark your time in The City Beautiful.<\/p>\n

Commencement Schedule<\/h3>\n

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 12
\n<\/strong>2 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

College of Business Administration
\nCollege of Health Professions and Sciences<\/a><\/p>\n

Stream the ceremony<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 12
\n<\/strong>7 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

College of Arts and Humanities<\/a>
\nCollege of Community Innovation and Education<\/a> (includes the School of Interdisciplinary Studies)<\/p>\n

Stream the ceremony<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13
\n<\/strong>9 a.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

College of Sciences<\/p>\n

Stream the ceremony<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13
\n<\/strong>2 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

College of Engineering and Computer Science
\nCollege of Graduate Studies<\/a>
\nCollege of Medicine<\/a>
\nCollege of Nursing<\/a>
\nCollege of Optics and Photonics<\/a>
\nRosen College of Hospitality Management<\/a><\/p>\n

Stream the ceremony<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Commencement Speakers<\/h3>\n