2026 HOODING CEREMONY

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

445 S. Magnolia Avenue

Orlando, FL 32801

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Be sure to scroll down the page for Frequently Asked Questions.

Academic Regalia Order Deadline - Friday, March 13, 2026

Orders for the rental attire can be placed online at https://colleges.herffjones.com/college/_famu/. Orders placed after this date may incur additional fees.

Graduate Spotlight Questionnaire - April 17, 2026

To maintain the College of Law tradition, we would like to recognize our Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 class members and their accomplishments while in law school. We hope you can find time to complete the Graduate Spotlight Questionnaire. Submissions may be used for promotional purposes. In addition, if you have a prepared bio, please include that with your response.

Hooding Participation Form - April 17, 2026

To plan appropriately, we need to accurately count the number of graduates who intend to participate in the Hooding Ceremony. Please complete and submit online here.

2026 Faculty Hooder - April 10, 2026

Participants of the College of Law’s 2026 Hooding Ceremony select the FAMU College of Law faculty member they would like to be the Faculty Hooder during the ceremony. The faculty member who receives the most votes will hood all ceremony participants. Please submit your vote here.

University’s Exit Survey - TBA

All graduating students must complete the University’s Exit Survey as part of the graduation process. The window for the survey will tentatively open in mid-April for Spring 2026 graduates. The survey can be found at http://exitsurvey.famu.edu/ and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. After you have completed the survey, the computer system will assign you a confirmation receipt. Please keep a copy for your files. You do not need to provide a copy to the Registrar’s Office.

Financial Aid Exit Counseling Session - ASAP

Federal regulations require that all students who borrow subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans while attending the College of Law complete an exit counseling session by visiting https://studentaid.gov. You must do this as soon as possible. Once the exit counseling is complete, you are advised to print a copy for your records.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where will the Hooding Ceremony be held?

The College of Law will have a Hooding Ceremony in Orlando on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Hooding Ceremony will be held at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. The Hooding Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last approximately 1 ½ hours. Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. for check-in.

You can participate in the College of Law’s 2026 Hooding ceremony if you are a Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 graduate.

Is registration required to participate in the 2026 Hooding Ceremony?

Yes, registration is required for all graduates participating in the ceremony.

How do I register to participate in the 2026 Hooding Ceremony?

You must complete the 2026 Hooding Ceremony Participation Form linked above by Friday, April 17, 2026.

Will the 2026 Hooding Ceremony be ticketed?

The College of Law will not limit the number of individuals graduates may invite to the Hooding Ceremony. Tickets are not needed to enter the ceremony.

Must I wear a cap and gown?

Yes, to participate in the Hooding Ceremony, you must wear the official academic regalia (cap, gown, and doctoral hood).

Are there any recommendations for ceremony attire?

Academic attire is required for all ceremony participants. While we recommend that you wear cool and comfortable clothing under your graduation gown, that clothing should be professional in color and appearance.

How do I wear academic attire?

For the Hooding Ceremony: When it is time for the graduates to be recognized, you will proceed onto the stage with your hood draped over your right arm. After your name is called, you will extend your arm to hand your hood to the faculty hooder, who will formally place the hood on you.

How will students line up at Hooding?

All graduates who plan to participate in the College of Law’s 2026 Hooding must arrive at the Dr. Phillips Center by 8:30 a.m. for check-in. College of Law staff will assist you with robing and lining up. The processional will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. for the start of the ceremony.

Will photographs be taken at the Hooding Ceremony?

Arrangements have been made with GradImages to take professional photographs of each graduate at the ceremony. While GradImages will mail complimentary color proofs to each graduate, there is no obligation for you to order your graduation photographs.

Can my family take photographs during the Hooding Ceremony?

Unfortunately, we do not permit guests to approach the stage to take photographs. Guests need to remain in their seats throughout the ceremony. We are relying on you to convey this message to your guests.

Where is parking for the Hooding Ceremony?

Parking information for the Dr. Phillips Center is available here.

Are the facilities accessible to handicapped guests?

Yes. If you have guests who require accessibility seating for the Hooding Ceremony, please contact Claudine Beale at claudine.beale@famu.edu to make the necessary arrangements for special assistance. Requests for special assistance seating must be made as soon as possible but no later than Friday, April 24, 2026. Requests will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis due to limited availability.

Will the ceremony be live-streamed?

The ceremony will be live-streamed and available on the College of Law’s social media platforms. More information will be sent to graduates the week before the ceremony.