Parents and families of OWU graduating seniors: Commencement is this Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. Because the weather looks beautiful, we’re excited to confirm that the ceremony will be outdoors on the Rock Quad as planned! We’re excited to share this special occasion with you.
The links below have important deadlines, helpful guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions about graduation and Commencement Day.
Here’s the most critical, week-of-the-event information:
- A mandatory commencement rehearsal for the seniors walking in the ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4-5:30 p.m., in Branch Rickey Arena. Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. Following rehearsal, seniors will take the traditional Final Lap through campus.
- Enjoy Brunch before Commencement! Please stop by with your senior for an open house with brunch honoring the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 10, between 9-11 a.m. in the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center (Benes Rooms), 40 Rowland Avenue.
- Our outdoor ceremony requires no tickets for entry/seats.
- Streaming video of the ceremony is available at owu.edu/stream.
- OWU will show the live streaming video of the ceremony at Chapplear Drama Center for guest overflow or those wishing to avoid exposure to the sun/heat.
- Live captions of the ceremony will be viewable using any personal Internet-connected device by visiting owu.edu/commencement-captions.
- Graduates are listed alphabetically by last name in the program — and they’ll cross the stage in that same order.
- Graduates receive a commemorative OWU diploma cover from President vandenBerg. The official diploma will be mailed to them soon after, and they’ll also get a digital version.
- Parents & Families are asked to sit and remain in their seats as soon as the processional begins at 1 p.m. to allow professional photographers and event staff access to all areas. Family photos can be taken before and after the ceremony. Graduation Foto® will take a photograph as President vandenBerg hands each graduate their diploma. In addition, each graduate will pose for a portrait at a designated backdrop as they exit the stage. Your student will receive information on accessing/purchasing these photos at Commencement Rehearsal.
- Academic Department Receptions are held immediately following Commencement.
Two very important resources for senior events and Commencement Week activities:
Congratulations again, to your family and your graduating senior!
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Academic Affairs
Contact: Leigh Ann Emmons at provost@owu.edu