Graduation Recognition
Graduation Recognition Ceremony | Spring 2021
It is with great anticipation and excitement that Ohio University Lancaster | Pickerington welcomes the Spring 2021 graduation class to a special, in-person* Graduation Recognition Ceremony.
Date: Thursday, April 29th
Registration Begins: 5 p.m.
Ceremony Begins: 6 p.m.
Place: Outdoor - Behind Herrold Hall
In-Person Expectations
Ohio University Lancaster | Pickerington is currently fluid in planning and monitoring safety guidelines. However, the following facts are confirmed about the upcoming, in-person Graduation Recognition Ceremony.
- Students should be wearing their regalia upon arrival at the event. The campus will not be able to provide spaces for changing into regalia due to our guidelines to maintain appropriate social distancing and to keep everyone in attendance safe.
- Graduates and Guests will be asked to maintain appropriate social distancing in registration lines and photo opportunity line.
- Graduates and Guests will be escorted to their seating location by ushers. Graduates and Guests will be seated together. No re-entry will be permitted if guests exit the event location.
- If you or your guest(s) require accessibility accommodations, please confirm with Brandy Bailey at baileyb@ohio.edu
About the Ceremony
The ceremony length will be approximately 1 hour in length and will include the following:
- Invocation & National Anthem
- Welcome by Dean Jarrod Tudor
- Greeting by Ohio University President
- Welcome by Coordinating Council Chair
- Student Speaker
- Guest Speaker
- Presentation of Graduates (reading of graduate names)
- Closing Remarks & Playing Alma Mater
- Recessional
Packets for graduating students will be placed at seats. Cords and military stoles (if ordered) will be available at a separate table. Programs for guests will be placed on seating. Tickets will be limited to two per graduate.
Live streaming will be available for those unable to attend the in-person ceremony.
Cap & Gown Packages
Regalia is required for the in-person ceremony. You may not participate in person without Ohio University issued regalia. No regalia sales will occur at the ceremony venue.
Any graduating student may purchase regalia, regardless of their ceremony participation. Individual items may be purchased if a student desires a souvenir or replacement item.
Order Deadline: Saturday, April 17th
Note: Be sure to purchase your regalia before the order deadline to ensure on-time delivery. Shipping delays have been experienced and are common because of COVID. Gowns feature distinct styles for Associate/Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees. A Bachelor gown may not be worn at the graduate/masters ceremony.
Photography
Your guests may take photos during the ceremony, but we ask that they remain seated during the ceremony so not to disturb other guests who are trying to see their graduate.
A selfie station will be available to get a special shot with a Rufus cutout.
There should be many opportunities to capture a popular family photo or selfie around the Ohio University Lancaster | Pickerington campus. Be sure to hashtag #OHIOgrad2021 to share your memories!
Weather
Spring in Central Ohio is very unpredictable. Please come prepared for variations in weather conditions. Umbrellas are always a good idea!
The Ohio University Lancaster | Pickerington Graduation Recognition Ceremony will be held outdoors but may be moved indoors due to inclement weather.
Safety
Personal Health Screening: All guests entering the Graduate Recognition Ceremony area are advised to conduct a personal health screening before arriving to campus. Those who feel ill, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who have tested positive themselves, must stay home. Click here to learn more about the CDC’s health guidelines.
Social Distancing and Mask Requirements: Masks will be required for all students and guests in attendance. This event will adhere to proper social distancing of six feet apart. Graduates and guests will be seated together, six feet apart from other guests, unless otherwise noted in the registration.
Sanitization: Hand sanitizers will be present at every entrance. Additionally, grounds staff will disinfect all seating prior to the ceremony.
This ceremony will follow all guidelines outlined by the State of Ohio, Governor Mike Dewine and Ohio University COVID protocols. Safety protocols will be given to students and guests prior to the ceremony.
Ohio University Commencement
Ohio University plans to host multiple in-person Spring Commencement events at Peden Stadium over the course of several days, streamed live for graduates who prefer to participate virtually.
Dates: Thursday, April 29th through Monday, May 3rd
RSVP Due: Wednesday, March 17th
Questions?
Contact Brandy Bailey | baileyb@ohio.edu | 740.681.1311