Approximately 900 students are expected to participate in the Fall Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16.

A combined undergraduate and graduate Commencement ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

Degrees will be conferred in the following order:

• Candidates for Doctoral Degrees
• Candidates for Master's Degrees
• Candidates for Bachelor's and Associate Degrees

There will be a recessional for this event. Once the name of a graduate has been called from the stage, they should return to their seat. After all degrees have been conferred, the 2017 Fall Commencement will stand adjourned.

INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS FOR GRADUATES

• Preselect a location outside of the Convocation Center to meet your family and guests.
• Candidates must assemble in the Convocation Center lower lobby no later than 1:15 p.m.
• Tickets are not necessary for this ceremony.
• Signs will be placed throughout the Convocation Center lower lobby area indicating each college's location. Candidates will form a single line behind the appropriate sign.
• Pick up a name card from a staff member at your respective college table in the Convocation Center lower lobby. Please keep your name card until you are called to the platform for recognition.
• Please turn off cell phones or set them to silent or vibrate.

 
INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS FOR PARENTS AND GUESTS

General Information

• This Commencement exercise will be held indoors in the Convocation Center, located on the West Green of Ohio University’s Athens Campus.
• Doors will open at approximately 12:30 p.m. Tickets are not required, and the ceremony is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours. Guests may enter through the main doors off of Richland Avenue.
• For the safety and security of those attending Commencement, all bags and packages entering the Convocation Center before and during the ceremony will be subject to inspection. This includes, but is not limited to, purses, backpacks, camera bags and diaper bags. These are precautionary measures, and are not in response to a specific threat.

Parking Information

• Parking for Fall Commencement is available in any regular non-metered, non-restricted space within a dark green or purple lot on campus. A map detailing these parking lots is available at: https://www.ohio.edu/athens/parking/
• Disability parking and a drop-off location for those with mobility concerns is located in Lot 128 at the Convocation Center and accessible from South Shafer Street. A state-issued disability placard or license plate is required for long term parking.
• Please pay close attention to campus signage and event staff who will be on site prior to commencement to provide assistance and direction.

Accessibility Services

• Wheelchairs and attendants are located at the main lobby and pass gate for guests with limited mobility. These wheelchairs are for transport only; guests may not stay seated in these wheelchairs, but can be transported to the arena seating areas. Guests with personal wheelchairs must check them in the main lobby and will be issued a claim ticket.
• Wheelchair-bound guests will be directed to a designated location that will accommodate the personal chair. No more than one member of the family will be permitted to accompany as an attendant.
• Seating for hearing-impaired guests will be in the first two rows of Section 101.
• Hearing devices are available, and a sign language interpreter will be present throughout the ceremony.

Additional Information

• Diabetic kits are located in the main lobby, the west entrance and the service entrance.
• Strollers must be checked upon arrival. A claim ticket will be issued.
• Restrooms are located on the outer concourse. A lactation room is located on the main concourse.
• Changing tables are in all restrooms.
• A lost and found area will be located at the will call office in the main lobby.
• No one other than graduates and faculty is allowed on the Convocation Center floor.
• Please turn off cell phones or set them to silent or vibrate.

TRAFFIC AND CONSTRUCTION
Visitors are advised that traffic can be heavy in Athens on Commencement weekend, and they are urged to arrive early.

INCLEMENT WEATHER INSTRUCTIONS
Stay tuned to www.ohio.edu/alert and www.ohio.edu/commencement for information and updates regarding inclement weather or event cancellations.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs will be taken by GradImages. A picture will be taken of each individual being greeted by a University official on stage. Within 10 days of commencement, candidates should receive a photographic proof. There is no obligation to purchase these pictures.

If you have any inquiries about photos, you can contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email giservice@gradimages.net.  

A WORD ON PERSONAL BEHAVIOR
The vast majority of family members and graduates prefer OHIO’s Commencement ceremony to be a formal, dignified event. Graduates may decorate their mortar boards; however, they are discouraged from acts that detract from the overall ceremony.

Items that are distracting to the ceremony, or threaten safety, will be confiscated before and during the ceremony.

For more information, visit www.ohio.edu/commencement.

E-GREETINGS AND FACEBOOK PERSONALIZATIONS AVAILABLE
University Communications and Marketing (UCM) is offering students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends the opportunity to personalize their e-greetings and Facebook pages with OHIO-themed imagery. Visit the UCM website for more information and to access the images.