Where are the commencement ceremonies?
The spring ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701
Commencement
Commencement
Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
Friday, May 3
9:30 a.m.
Graduate Ceremony
Doctoral Degrees
Masters Degrees
Saturday, May 4
9:30 a.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony
College of Fine Arts
College of Engineering and Technology
University College
Scripps College of Communication
College of Business
*Does not reflect order of conferral
Saturday, May 4
2:00 p.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony
Honors Tutorial College
Patton College of Education
College of Health Sciences and Professions
College of Arts and Sciences
*Does not reflect order of conferral
Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
Ohio University alumnus Judge William T. Newman Jr. will deliver the keynote address for the spring 2024 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies on May 4.
General Information
When do doors open to guests?
Doors open to guests 1.5 hours prior to each ceremony.
How long is the ceremony?
Each ceremony will be approximately 2 hours.
What is the link to the live video streaming of the ceremonies?
Go to www.ohio.edu/commencement - the video will be embedded on the front page when the event is about to begin.
Who is the speaker?
OHIO graduate Judge William T. Newman Jr. to speak at Spring Commencement
Where should I park?
Are seats reserved?
No reservations are needed for any seating. All seating, including limited mobility sections, is first come, first served.
What is the order of conferral?
Graduate Ceremony - May 3rd
Doctoral Students
Masters Students
*Degree conferral will be alphabetical by College
-All students must return to their seats after conferral, to be respectful to other graduates and families. The event will adjourn at the very end of the ceremony.
Undergraduate Ceremonies – May 4th
9:30 a.m.
College of Fine Arts
College of Engineering and Technology
University College
Scripps College of Communication
College of Business
2:00 p.m.
Honors Tutorial College
Patton College of Education
College of Health Sciences and Professions
College of Arts and Sciences
*Exact order of conferral within each ceremony will be determined at a later date.
-All students are encouraged to return to their seats after conferral, to be respectful to other graduates and families. The event will adjourn at the very end of the ceremony.
What items are prohibited at the commencement ceremonies?
Bag checks will be performed. Prohibited items are as follows:
- Aerosol cans
- Alcohol
- Animals
- Bookbags/backpacks
- Commercial video/audio equipment and tripods
- Fireworks
- Food/beverages
- Hoverboards/skateboards
- Ice chests/coolers
- Laser pointers
- Noisemakers/airhorns
- Weapons (including pepper spray and knives/blades of any length)
- Signs, flags, banners, and balloons
- Any item(s) deemed hazardous by event personnel
*Use of tobacco products within and around the facility is prohibited due University Policy 44.113: Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus.
Where can I find information on Regional Campus Celebrations?
TBD
How can I get pictures from commencement?
Grad Images will be contacting your email or your permanent address with proofs of your commencement photo, available for purchase.
Is there a lost and found?
Lost and found is located at Will Call. After the event, all items will be taken to Baker University Center Guest Services (740-593-4000).
I am Faculty interested in participating in Commencement. What do I need to know?
- To rent Regalia please visit: https://ohiofaculty.shopoakhalli.com/ by March 23rd.
- Faculty will line up in front of their College which will check in under the Convocation Center in the Garage Area.
- Faculty participating in Commencement should arrive to their college's check in area (in their regalia) at least 45 minutes prior to each ceremony start time.
Student Information
How do I order my cap and gown?
The deadline to order online has passed. We will have a sales site in Baker University Center room 366 on Friday, May 3 from 7:30AM - 9:30AM and Saturday May 4 from 7:30AM - 2PM. Students will be able to purchase all necessary items there.
How many guests can I bring?
There is no limit on the amount of guests and the event is not ticketed.
When should I arrive for my ceremony?
Friday, May 3rd, 9:30am Ceremony for Doctoral and Masters students
Check in will begin at 8am in the Convocation Center Garage
Saturday, May 4th, 9:30am Ceremony for Undergraduate Students
Check in will begin at 8am in the Convocation Center Garage
Graduates must be checked in and in College Line by 8:45am
Saturday, May 4th, 2pm Ceremony for Undergraduate students
Check in will begin at 12:30pm in the Convocation Center Garage
Graduates must be checked in and in College Line by 1:15pm
What side should my tassel be on?
To the right prior to degree conferral. Upon conferral, tassel is moved to the front left.
Where can I put my purse and coat during Commencement?
There is no place to store personal items such as coats, backpacks, or bags. Anything you bring you will need to carry through the ceremony. Backpacks, coats, and large purses will not be permitted onto the Commencement floor. Therefore, please arrange with family or friends to hold onto items you do not want to carry onto the Convocation Center floor.
For the safety and security of those attending commencement, all bags and packages entering the Convocation Center before and during the ceremonies are subject to inspection. This includes, but is not limited to purses, backpacks, camera bags, and diaper bags.
Hooding Ceremony Demonstration
Students
- Make sure the hood is unbuttoned for the hooding.
- Stand in front of the podium at the designated marker.
- Wear your cap forward on the top of your head so it is not knocked off during hooding.
- Crouch down slightly to make it easier for the hood to be placed over your head.
Advisors
- Make sure the hood is not caught on the podium bar before hooding.
- Tap the student on the shoulders after the picture is taken to signify the process is complete and they can walk across the stage.