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

Commencement

Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony

December 14, 2024, 2:00pm

Convocation Center
95 Richland Ave., Athens, OH

General Information

Where is the commencement ceremony?

The ceremony will take place at 2pm on Saturday, December 14 at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701

When do doors open to guests?

Doors open to guests at 12:30pm.

How long is the ceremony?

Approximately 2.5 hours. 

What is the link for the live video streaming of the ceremony?

Go to www.ohio.edu/commencement - the live video will be embedded on the front page once the event begins. 

Where should I park?

Information coming soon!

What is the order of conferral?

Doctoral Students

Masters Students

Undergraduate Students

-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.

 

Are seats reserved?

No reservations are needed for any seating. All seating, including limited mobility sections, is first come, first serve.

Will there be wheelchairs available at the Convocation Center?

No, patrons must bring their own personal accessibility equipment.

How can I get pictures from commencement?

Grad Images will be contacting your OHIO email or permanent address with proofs of your commencement photo available for purchase. Additionally, you can visit www.gradimages.com. 

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 participating in commencement. What do I need to know?
  • Faculty must be wearing regalia - Visit the rental site here! The deadline to order is 11/2/24!
  • Faculty may enter the lower lobby entrance (the street entrance below the main entrance directly off Richland Avenue near the parking garage under the Convocation Center.
  • There is no line up within the Convocation Center. Instead, Faculty are to find their seats in the first row of each of the College Sections. Faculty must be in their seats by 1:40pm. Faculty will stay seated the entire time and not go to the stage (unless you are a pre-approved Mentor for a Doctoral Candidate).
What items are prohibited at the 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 (factory sealed water bottles and children's snacks/drinks will be permitted)
  • 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.

Student Information

How can I order a cap and gown?

Order caps and gowns here! The deadline to order is November 12

How many guests can I bring?

There is no limit for guests. The event is not ticketed. 

When should I arrive for my ceremony?

For Doctoral and Masters Students

Check-in will begin at 12:30pm in Grosvenor Hall, 16 West Green Drive, in the Graduate College

Students must be in their seats by 1:45pm.

For Undergraduate Students

Check-in will begin at 12:30pm in the Convocation Center

Students must be in their seats by 1:45pm.

Check In Map

 

What side should my tassel be on?

For Undergraduate students: To the right prior to conferral of degree. Upon conferral, tassel is moved to the front left.

For Doctoral and Masters students: Tassels start and stay on the front left.

Where can I put my coat and purse 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 ceremony 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.

Questions?

Email commencement@ohio.edu