Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
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Saturday, May 4
9:30 a.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony
College of Fine Arts
College of Engineering and Technology
University College
Scripps College of Communication
College of Business
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Saturday, May 4
2:00 p.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony
Honors Tutorial College
Patton College of Education
College of Health Sciences and Professions
College of Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
Ohio University alumnus Judge William T. Newman Jr. will deliver the keynote address for the spring 2024 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies on May 4.
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General Information
Where are the commencement ceremonies?
The Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701.
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 to the live video streaming of the ceremonies?
Visit the Commencement webpage ( ohio.edu/commencement ) — livestream links for each ceremony will be added before the event is about to begin.
Who is the speaker?
Information coming soon!
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 served.
What is the order of conferral?
Graduate Ceremony – May 2nd
Doctoral Students
Masters Students
*Degree conferral will be alphabetical by College
-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 3rd
9:30 a.m.
TBD
4:00 p.m.
TBD
What items are prohibited at the commencement 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, 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 .
Where can I find information on Regional Campus Celebrations?
Information coming soon!
How can I get pictures from commencement?
Grad Images will be contacting your email or your permanent address with proofs of your commencement photo, which are available for purchase. You can also visit the Grad Images website .
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 interested in participating in Commencement. What do I need to know?
- To rent Regalia please visit: https://oakhallcg.com/pages/ohiofaculty by March 22nd.
- More information coming soon!
Student Information
How do I order my cap and gown?
Order your cap and gown here! The deadline to order is April 1.
How many guests can I bring?
There is no limit on the amount of guests and the event is not ticketed.
When should I arrive for my ceremony?
Friday, May 2nd, 9:30am Ceremony for Doctoral and Masters students
Check in will begin at 8am in the Convocation Center Garage
Saturday, May 3rd, 9:30am Ceremony for Undergraduate Students
Check in will begin at 8am in the Convocation Center Garage
Graduates should be checked in by 9:00am
Saturday, May 3rd, 4pm Ceremony for Undergraduate students
Check in will begin at 2:30pm in the Convocation Center Garage
Graduates should be checked in by 3:30pm
What side should my tassel be on?
To the right prior to degree conferral. Upon conferral, tassel is moved to the front left.
Where can I put my purse and coat 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 ceremonies 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.