Graduation

GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Graduates of the summer, fall, winter, and spring quar-ters are encouraged to attend the formal graduation ceremony held in June in Los Angeles. With the excep-tion of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, a cap and gown and graduation fee is applicable upon matriculation regardless of whether a student partici-pates in the ceremony or not.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students are responsible to complete all course requirements and have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in order to graduate. Additional informa-tion can be found in the Graduation Handbook available on the FIDM website and FIDM Portal.

COMMENCEMENT HONORS

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN DIGITAL MEDIA AWARD

Any student receiving a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average graduates cum laude, a 3.8 or higher cumulative grade point average graduates magna cum laude, and a 3.95 or higher cumulative grade point average graduates summa cum laude. This is noted on the student’s diploma.

DIPLOMAS

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN FASHION DESIGN AWARD

Final degrees are not awarded at the commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to all graduates four to six months after their graduation date if the student is financially cleared. It is the graduate's responsibility to complete the online application for their degree in order for their diploma to be sent to the appropriate address.

VALEDICTORIAN

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD

Students from each graduating class who have achieved a 3.98 cumulative grade point average or above are eligible for consideration as Class Valedicto-rian. Candidates are asked to submit a written valedictory speech. The submitted speeches are reviewed by a panel of college staff and faculty. One speech is chosen to represent the class based on an oral and written presentation of the proposed speech.

GRADUATION AWARDS

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN APPAREL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT AWARD

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD

The Interior Design Award honors a graduate for out-standing achievement in the Interior Design program. The recipient is selected by the Interior Design faculty. Criteria for the award is based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or above, excellent technical skills, design aesthetic, professionalism, and industry involvement.

achievement in the Beauty Marketing & Product Development program. Faculty select the recipient, using criteria based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or above, professionalism, leadership capabilities, industry experience, and creativity.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN DIGITAL MARKETING AWARD The Digital Marketing Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Digital Marketing program. Faculty select the recipient based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or above, who have exhibited a professional attitude, leadership capabilities, creativity, industry experience and involvement.

The Digital Media Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in Digital Media. Instructors select the recipient based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above, dedication, creativity, excellent technical skills, and a strong passion for the industry.

The Fashion Design Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a graduate in the Fashion Design program who has exhibited a strong understanding of the creative and technical process of producing apparel. The Fashion Design faculty select nominees based on graduates who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or above. Finalists submit a portfolio and are interviewed by a panel composed of faculty and fashion design industry professionals.

The Graphic Design Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Graphic Design program. The Graphic Design faculty select a recipient based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or above, professionalism, creativity, and technical skills.

The Apparel Industry Management Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Apparel Industry Management program. The recipient is chosen by the Apparel Industry Management faculty based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or above, professionalism, creativity, leadership capabilities, managerial skills, industry experience, and community involvement.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN BEAUTY MARKETING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AWARD

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN MERCHANDISE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AWARD

The Merchandise Product Development Award rec-ognizes outstanding achievement in the Merchandise Product Development program. Faculty select the recipient based on a 3.8 or above cumulative grade point average, leadership capabilities, professionalism, and industry involvement.

The Beauty Marketing & Product Development Award is presented to a graduate for outstanding