Commencement

Commencement

Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies

Convocation Center, 95 Richland Ave., Athens, OH

Friday, May 5 - 9:30 a.m.

Graduate Ceremony

Doctoral and Masters Students - All Colleges

Saturday, May 6 - 9:30 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony

College of Business
College of Fine Arts
Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Scripps College of Communication
University College
*Not actual order of conferral

Saturday, May 6 - 2:00 p.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony

Center for International Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Health Sciences and Professions
College of Education
Honors Tutorial College
*Not actual order of conferral

General Information

Where are the commencement ceremonies?

Spring Ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701

The Graduate Ceremony for Masters and Doctoral students will take place on Friday May 5th at 9:30am.

The Undergraduate Ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 6th at 9:30am and 2pm.

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 for the live video streaming of the ceremony?

Go to www.ohio.edu/commencement - the link will be available on the front page once the event begins. 

Who is the speaker?

To be announced. 

Where should I park?

Information coming soon!

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.

Where can I order Graduation Announcements?

You can order those through Ohio University Printing Services here

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.

What is the order of conferral?

Graduate Ceremony – May 5th

Doctoral Students

Masters 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.

Undergraduate Ceremonies – May 6th

Order to be announced.

-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.

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?
  • To rent regalia, please visit https://ohiofaculty.shopoakhalli.com/purchasewizard/Welcome by March 28, 2023.
  • 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. 
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
  • 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.

Student Information

How many guests can I bring?

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

When should I arrive for my ceremony?

Friday, May 5th, 9:30am Ceremony for Doctoral and Masters students

Check in will begin at 8am in the Convocation Center Garage

Saturday, May 6th, 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 6th, 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?

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. 

Order Cap & Gown

Order by April 4 in order to have your regalia in time for the ceremony.

Order Regalia

Contact Us

Ceremony Questions

The Office of Event Services

Baker University Center 347 | 740.593.4020
commencement@ohio.edu

Grading and/or Application Questions

The Office of the Registrar

Chubb Hall | 740.593.4191
registrar@ohio.edu