graduation topGraduation

Graduation Commencement Exercises

Graduates of the summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters are encouraged to attend the formal graduation ceremony held in June (Los Angeles and San Diego Graduation Commencement in Los Angeles, and San Francisco Graduation Commencement in San Francisco).  A nonrefundable graduation fee is applicable regardless of whether a student participates in the ceremony or not.

Graduation Check
(Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego campuses)

Prior to registering for the last quarter, students are responsible for completing the “Apply for Degree” request.  This link is found on the Student Portal under Academics.  A final graduation check is done to ensure that all course requirements have been met.  A tentative graduation list is posted, based upon applications that are received.  A 2.0 GPA is required for graduation.  Please review the Graduation Checklist for a list of responsibilities prior to leaving campus.  See an Education Department staff member for assistance.

Commencement Honors

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

Diplomas

Final degrees will not be awarded at the commencement ceremony.  Diplomas are mailed to all graduates four months after their graduation date.  It is the graduate’s responsibility to complete the online application for 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 will be asked to submit a written valedictory speech.  The submitted speeches are reviewed by the Vice President of Education and 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 — FIDM Los Angeles & San Diego

AAFA Award

This award is given to an outstanding Apparel Manufacturing Management graduate by the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Inc.  The winning graduate is chosen by the Apparel Manufacturing Management faculty based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, professional attitude, leadership capabilities, managerial skills, and industry involvement. 

Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Award

The Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Department.  Faculty choose the recipient, using criteria based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or higher, professionalism, leadership capabilities, and industry experience.

Digital Media Award

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

Fashion Design Award

The Fashion Design award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a graduate in the Fashion Design Program who has exhibited an exceptional understanding of the creative and practical process of developing and producing apparel.  The Fashion Design faculty selects nominees based on graduates who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Frances Corey Award

The Frances Corey award is presented to a graduate for outstanding achievement in Merchandise Management.  The Merchandise Marketing faculty selects the recipient based on a grade point average of 3.7 or higher, leadership capabilities, professionalism, and industry experience.

Graphic Design Award

The Graphic Design award is given to a graduate for outstanding achievement in the Graphic Design Department. The Graphic Design faculty chooses a winner based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher, professionalism, creativity, and craftsmanship skills.

Interior Design Award

The Interior Design award honors a graduate for outstanding achievement in Interior Design.  The winner is selected by the Interior Design faculty and Chairperson based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, excellent technical skills, professionalism, and industry involvement.

Merchandise Product Development Award

The Merchandise Product Development award recognizes outstanding achievement in the Merchandise Product Development Department.  Product Development instructors select the winning graduate based on a 3.7 or higher cumulative grade point average, leadership capabilities, professionalism, and industry experience.

Niedermaier Award

The Niedermaier award honors a Visual Communications graduate who has made an exceptional and sustained effort to achieve excellence in the art of visual communication.  Faculty selects nominees based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, creativity, craftsmanship skills, professional attitude, and industry involvement.  The recipient is chosen by Judith Niedermaier from the nominees who submit a portfolio and resume.

Sally Sirkin Lewis Award

The Sally Sirkin Lewis award is given to an outstanding Interior Design student who demonstrates exceptional creativity and innovation in approaching interior design projects and has a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher.  Ms. Lewis selects the recipient from portfolios submitted by the nominees.

TALA Award

The TALA award is given by the Textile Association of Los Angeles to an outstanding Textile Design student for expertise in the woven, knit, and print disciplines of textile design.

Graduation Awards — FIDM San Francisco

Cyril Magnin Award

The Cyril Magnin award is given to a Merchandise Marketing graduate who shows outstanding promise in the field of merchandise marketing, and best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of one of FIDM’s founding Advisory Board members, Mr. Cyril Magnin.  Nominees are selected based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher in conjunction with a nomination by department faculty. The Magnin family interviews the finalists and selects the winner.

Graphic Design Award

The Graphic Design award is awarded to one graduate for outstanding achievement in the field of Graphic Design. Graduates are qualified for the award by achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. A panel of graphic design faculty and industry professionals interviews candidates. The award is judged and earned based on presentation of professional skills relating to creativity and craftsmanship skills.

Henry Adams Award

The Henry Adams award is awarded to an outstanding Interior Design graduate who exhibits exceptional design creativity and imagination, combined with exemplary technical skills and dedication to the pursuit of excellence in interior design.  Nominees are selected based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher. Candidates are interviewed and a winner selected by Clarellen Adams.

Robert J. Mahoney Award

The Robert J. Mahoney award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding Visual Communications graduate who exhibits exceptional creativity and technical skills from concept to project execution in the area of visual presentation.  Nominees are selected based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher.  A panel, comprised of industry professionals and FIDM faculty, conducts the interviews and selects the award winner.

Levi Strauss Award

The Levi Strauss award is presented for outstanding achievement in Fashion Design. This award recognizes a student who exhibits an exceptional understanding of the creative and practical process of developing and producing an apparel collection.  The Fashion Design faculty, from a circulated list of graduates who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, determine the finalists. A panel of industry professionals interviews all finalists. 

Wilkes Bashford Award

The Wilkes Bashford award is awarded to one Merchandise Product Development graduate for excellence.  Nominees are determined by the faculty from a list of graduates who attained a 3.7 or higher grade point average. The award recognizes one graduate who possesses exceptional skills in understanding the product cycle as well as demonstrates expertise in the technical aspects of product development.  Wilkes Bashford interviews candidates and selects the winner.