Commencement is almost here, and we are so excited to welcome you and your graduate for this special day! To help your family plan, we have combined our most frequently asked questions with a specific timeline for the day’s events.
Commencement Day Schedule
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Morning Brunch: Please stop by for a brunch open house honoring the Class of 2026 in the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center, hosted by the President’s Office.
- 11:30 AM – Student Check-In & Lineup: Graduates should arrive at this time to begin preparing for the processional (Labyrinth-Sulfur Spring Walkway).
- 1:00 PM – Ceremony Begins: The formal processional starts promptly at 1:00 PM.
- 2:00 PM – Presentation of Graduates: Students will begin crossing the stage individually to be recognized in alphabetical order.
- 3:10 PM – Ceremony Concludes: The event will end with the presidential blessing, the ringing of the OWU bell, and the traditional cap toss.
- 3:10 PM – 5:00 PM – Post-Commencement Celebration: Immediately following the ceremony, please join us in the Benes Rooms of Hamilton-Williams Campus Center for a campus-wide celebration hosted by our Academic Departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if it rains? We do our best to keep the ceremony outdoors on the Rock Quad in front of Merrick Hall. If there is light rain, we will stay outside—please bring a poncho (we ask that you skip umbrellas so everyone can see the stage).
- How will I know if it’s moved indoors? If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will announce a move to the Gordon Field House by 9:00 AM that morning. Check owu.edu, the Commencement webpage, or OWU’s social media for updates.
- Do we need tickets? Tickets are only required if the ceremony moves indoors due to weather. Each graduate receives six indoor tickets. If your student hasn’t picked them up, you can visit the Will Call table at the Field House (inside the East garage door) on Saturday morning.
- Will there be professional photos? Yes! Professional photographers will capture your graduate with President vandenBerg and in front of an OWU backdrop, so you can relax and enjoy the moment from your seat.
- Will my graduate receive their diploma? They will receive a commemorative OWU diploma cover during the ceremony. The official printed diploma will be mailed shortly after, and they will also receive a digital version.
- Can’t make it in person? No worries—the ceremony will be live-streamed! Extra guests without indoor tickets can also watch the stream on a big screen at the Chappelear Drama Center.
- Not sure where to go? Reference the Commencement Map for easy navigation to all events on Saturday.
Still have questions? We’re here to help! Feel free to email our team at provost@owu.edu. We look forward to sharing this meaningful day with you and your graduate!
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office:Â Academic Affairs – Provost Office
Contact: Viridiana Leonard at provost@owu.edu