President Lori Stewart Gonzalez gives a speech to hundreds of Ohio University students during a Commencement ceremony
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

Center for International Studies 

Patton College of Education

College of Health Sciences and Professions

College of Arts and Sciences

*Does not reflect order of conferral

Cap & Gown Ordering

Place your cap and gown order by April 4.

Order Cap & Gown

General Information

Where are the commencement ceremonies?

The spring ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701

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 are the speakers?

TBD

Where should I park?

TBD

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

Center for International Studies

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, and banners
  • 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?

Students can order their regalia at this link! The deadline to order is April 4.

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

 Hood Flip Demonstration