2026 Spring Commencement Transportation & Parking Information

Making plans to attend the 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony and celebrate our Bobcat’s great achievements?

Find out about transportation & parking resources available during your upcoming campus visit!

Arriving To Campus

When planning your arrival on campus please allow additional travel time due to increased traffic. To assist with relieving traffic congestion, we encourage guests to follow posted directional event signage that begins on each main highway access point approaching campus. Please be on the lookout for electronic sign messages directing traffic from US 50EB, US 33EB, and US 33WB to use the exit for SR 682 and traffic from US50WB to use the exit for Stimson Ave. Transportation & Parking Services will work in conjunction with the Ohio University Police Department to manage traffic and parking for this event.

If arriving from SR682/Richland Avenue, disability parking and disability drop off traffic should utilize the center lane to access West Green Drive. General admission parking should utilize the left or right lane and follow signage and staff to the next available parking location (see image below).

Departing From Campus

Following the Spring Commencement ceremony please follow signage and police officers/directional staff when exiting campus. Traffic patterns will be altered to facilitate the safest and most efficient means given the high density of guest around main campus.

Friday, May 1st Graduate Commencement Transportation & Parking Resources:

Disability Parking & Disability Drop Off:  A designated drop off zone is accessible via West Green Drive to accommodate loading/unloading needs. Disability parking will be available at the Convocation Center and should be accessed from West Green Drive (See map below). Please ensure your  accessibility placard is clearly displayed for attendant identification. 

Guest Parking: Visitors may utilize parking within any dark green or purple lot on campus from 8 AM - 10 PM Friday, May 1st, 2026. Please reference the Campus Parking Map for lot locations and designations. Transportation & Parking Services will work in conjunction with the Ohio University Police Department to manage traffic and parking for this event. Guests should pay close attention to highway and campus signage directing them to the closest available parking lot for their needs.

RV Parking: A limited number of RV spaces are available for reservation located at the Ridges during commencement weekend. Visit https://www.ohio.edu/transportation-parking/transit-services/rv-reservations to submit your reservation request. 

Campus Transportation Resources:

• Free Accessible Transportation will be available from 8:30am-5:30pm for those with limited mobility that do not park within the Convocation Center parking lot. Individuals seeking transportation on the day of events should call 740-447-8037 to schedule a ride.
• Free Event Shuttles will be available from several parking lot locations (including perimeter parking) to the Convocation Center for all Commencement guests from 8:30am to 2:30pm.
• Following the conclusion of the ceremony individuals seeking event shuttles should wait in the designated shuttle loading areas for the next available shuttle. Patience is appreciated as we work to provide return transit for a large number as quickly and safely as we are able.
• Evening & Weekend Campus Shuttles will be available beginning at 5:30pm through 11pm.

Saturday, May 2nd Undergraduate Commencement Transportation & Parking Resources:

Disability Parking & Disability Drop Off:  A designated drop off zone is accessible via West Green Drive to accommodate loading/unloading needs. Disability parking will be available at the Convocation Center and should be accessed from West Green Drive (See map below). Please ensure your  accessibility placard is clearly displayed for attendant identification. 

Guest Parking: Visitors may utilize parking within any dark green or purple lot on campus from 8 AM - 10 PM Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. Please reference the Campus Parking Map for lot locations and designations. Transportation & Parking Services will work in conjunction with the Ohio University Police Department to manage traffic and parking for this event. Guests should pay close attention to highway and campus signage directing them to the closest available parking lot for their needs.

Overflow Parking: Will be available at the Athens Fairgrounds located at 286 West Union Street, Athens OH 45701. Directional signage will be in place to direct guests and a complimentary shuttle will be provided. 

RV Parking: A limited number of RV spaces are available for reservation located at the Ridges during commencement weekend. Visit https://www.ohio.edu/transportation-parking/transit-services/rv-reservations to submit your reservation request. 

Campus Transportation Resources:

• Free Event Shuttles & Accessible Transportation will be available from several parking lot locations (including perimeter parking) to the Convocation Center for all Commencement guests. Individuals with limited mobility seeking transportation on the day of events should call 740-447-8037 to schedule a ride.
  • Campus shuttles will operate on continuous loops from 8:15am-5:30pm. 
  • Perimeter shuttle service from the Athens Fairgrounds will depart for the 9:30am undergraduate ceremony beginning at 8:15am. For the 2:30pm undergraduate ceremony beginning at 1:15pm. Return service will be available throughout the event. 
• Following the conclusion of each ceremony individuals seeking event shuttles should wait in the designated shuttle loading areas for the next available shuttle. Patience is appreciated as we work to provide return transit for a large number as quickly and safely as we are able. 

Follow us on X @OUTransParking for live updates on parking availability during Commencement events.

For more information on Transportation & Parking resources during this time please connect with the TPS Customer Care Center Team at 740-593-1917 or tps@ohio.edu.