OCVS Class of 2025
Commencement Ceremony
Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S Magnolia Ave Orlando 32808
May 22, 2025 9:30 am
graduates must arrive by 8:00 am
Tickets
Tickets are not used for this event; seating is on a first come first served basis. Doors will open at 8:45 am for the ceremony
Graduates
Arrival time for graduates is 8:00 am on May 22. 2025 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The commencement ceremony begins at 9:30 am and will be 90 to 120 minutes in length. THERE IS NO REHEARSAL. When graduates arrive they will first go to the photographer area to take a photo in cap and gown. Then they will report to the school counselor’s area to receive a seat card with the name and seat number. There will be plenty of staff to assist graduates to find their place in line for the processional. Note graduates will walk the stage by the counselor group, which will NOT be in alpha order.
Here's a fantastic video by Senior Class Advisor Dr Williams with some examples!
Graduate Dress Code
Acceptable dress code for graduates is dark trousers, collared shirts, tie (bow ties are permitted) dark dress shoes and socks, dress or skirt/slacks and blouse or sweater, dress, shoes or sandals. Note be aware of your heel height. The Dr Phillips Center is a large venue and you will be doing lots of walking and there are lots of steps and you will be walking up and down.
Sneakers, flip flops, tshirts, and jeans are not acceptable for graduates.
Cap/Gown/Stole
Pre ordered cap/gown/stole will be picked up from the school campus on senior checkout day on May 16 from 10 am to 1 pm. (Caps and gowns will also available for purchase from the vendor for $ 85 on May 16. Note not all sizes will be available) You may not decorate your cap or gown. You may not wear anything additional other than described above or carry anything on stage.
Only official school stoles and cords issued from OCVS only may be worn during the ceremony. One tassel is provided with your cap/gown. Students receiving an Associates degree may wear the red Valencia stole.
Diplomas
At the ceremony you will receive a diploma cover only. Diplomas are distributed in June after the school year is complete. Final transcripts with a graduation date will also be available after June 4.
Transcripts
One unofficial
transcript will be included with the diploma. Official final
transcripts (with a graduation date) for
postsecondary institutions can
be ordered on the OCVS website to be sent directly to postsecondary
institution(s). Official final transcripts will not be available until June 4.
Photos
Professional photos with a diploma cover will be taken by Grad Images before the ceremony. A “handshake photo” taken with the Principal will be taken during the ceremony when you receive your diploma. Personal photos may be taken immediately following the ceremony on the lawn outside the Dr Phillips Center.
Guests
Doors to the venue for guest seating will open at 8:45 am. Seating is on a first come first served basis. There are plenty of good seats available for all guests. ADA seating is available in the venue and will be available for anyone needing special seating. There are no tickets for this event; you may bring as many guests as you wish. Plan to meet your graduate outside of the venue after the ceremony.
Parking
Suntrust Center Parking, 25 W South Street, Orlando 1st hour $ 4.00 additional hours $ 3.00
City Commons parking garage, 460 Boone Avenue, Orlando 1st hour $4.00 additional hours $ 3.00
Maps with directions
An ADA designated drop off area is available in the front of the Dr Phillips Center off of South Street in front of the Dr Phillips Center.
Prohibited Items
The following items are expressly prohibited in the venue:
• Flasks, coolers, and outside food and beverages
• Items with indecent or derogatory messaging
• Balloons, laser pointers, noisemakers, amplifiers, signs on sticks
• Bags and backpacks larger than 12” x 12” x 12”
• Pets, except service animals
• Any other items deemed by Dr. Phillips Center as dangerous, illegal or detrimental to others enjoying the experience