Where is the HCOM commencement ceremony?
The HCOM Commencement ceremony will take place at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701.
When do the festivities begin?
Doors open to guests at 8:30am and the ceremony starts at 10am.
Where is the link to the live video streaming of the ceremonies?
Visit the Commencement webpage (https://www.ohio.edu/medicine/news-center/events/commencement) — livestream links for each ceremony will be added before the event is about to begin.
Who is the speaker?
Heritage College alumnus Andrew Yuan, D.O. ('87), has accepted Executive Dean Johnson's invitation to speak at the Heritage College’s 2024 Commencement ceremony on May 11! Read the full announcement here.
Where should I park?
Friday Parking: The Awards Ceremony will be held at Memorial Auditorium and parking is very limited near that location. There will be plenty of parking around the convocation center and a continuous shuttle (wheelchair accessible) will run from:
11:30 am - 4:30 pm from Grosvenor Hall to Memorial Auditorium
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm from Grosvenor Hall to Memorial Auditorium to Heritage Hall
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm from Heritage Hall to Grosvenor Hall
CATCAB-accessible transit is also available for guests in wheelchairs and with other mobility limitations. Guests wishing to utilize CATCAB should call Parking Services (740-593-1917) to schedule a pick-up time - 30 minutes advanced notice is requested.
Saturday Parking: Parking will be available around the convocation center.
Review the 2024 Spring Commencement Transportation & Parking Information page to plan your visit to campus.
Are seats reserved? What accessible seating options are there?
No reservations are needed for any seating. All seating, including limited mobility sections, is first come, first served.
Mobility Devices: The venues do not offer mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) for guest use on-site for the Awards Ceremony or Commencement. Please make arrangements to arrive at the venues with the appropriate mobility devices. As a courtesy, we have created a list of businesses around Ohio that offer mobility device rentals. The companies listed are not affiliated with Ohio University or the Heritage College.
Accessibility Seating: There are designated seating sections for guests who have limited mobility and for guests who are full-time wheelchair users. We ask that only one additional guest sit in this section to maximize our accessibility seating options. Ushers will be available to direct guests to these seats.
Limited Mobility Seating is available in the designated sections of the lower and upper balconies and requires the navigation of 1-2 steps in general seating. The wheelchair and stroller check area will be available in the main lobby.
Guests who are full-time wheelchair users and one guest will be directed to the floor in the Wheelchair User Seating Area, which is on the right side of the Graduate Seating and is accessible.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: An American Sign Language (ALS) interpreter will provide interpreting services at the ceremony. There is a designated ASL seating section for the best view of the interpreter. The interpreter will also be shown on the live stream link for guests watching the ceremony remotely.
Lactation: Available at 217 on the concourse there is a Mamava lactation suite to use as a comfortable, private location for individuals needing to pump or nurse. To utilize the Mamava suite, you will need to download the Mamava App on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app will allow you to unlock the Mamava suite in the Convocation Center. You can also use the code on the door, which is 8008.
Baby Changing: Located in the accessible stall in each restroom (last stall).
What items are prohibited at the commencement ceremony?
Bag checks will be performed at all entrances. All bags and persons are subject to search. 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 per University Policy 44.113: Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus.
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).
Are their places to stay overnight?
For lodging and local restaurants, visit the Athens County Visitors Bureau(opens in a new window).
I am faculty interested in participating in Commencement and I am not a student mentor, what do I need to know?
To rent regalia please visit:
Faculty participating in processional will line up in the Convocation Center Garage in their regalia by 9:30am in row 10.