real world. These events are a platform for students to network with industry professionals and to obtain firsthand knowledge of their professional experience.

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE

Volunteer community service is any activity or job performed without pay that goes to benefit a nonprofit organization and/or community. Community service provides a critical component to the educational experience and future employability by giving students the opportunity to strengthen their resume while making an important difference in the world. FIDM highly encourages students to take full advantage of their time in college and participate in volunteer community service, either through FIDM student organizations or on their own. There are volunteer opportunities in just about any area. Read the Student Newsletter or visit the Student Activities Office, Student Activities on Canvas, and the Career Center for upcoming volunteer community service events and outside volunteer community service opportunities. Examples of volunteer community service opportunities are:

Graduation

GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Graduates of the summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters are encouraged to attend the formal graduation ceremony held in June. Each student will be charged a graduation fee upon matriculation regardless of whether a student participates 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 information can be found in the Graduation Handbook available on the FIDM website and FIDM Portal.

COMMENCEMENT HONORS

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

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

Students from each graduating class who have achieved a 3.98 cumulative grade point average or above are eligible for consideration as Class Valedictorian. 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

MANAGEMENT AWARD 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.

MANAGEMENT AWARD 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

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

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN DIGITAL MEDIA AWARD

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.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN FASHION DESIGN AWARD

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN FASHION DESIGN AWARD 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 and display professionalism, creativity, leadership capabilities, and industry experience.