To ensure your Commencement experience is as smooth and celebratory as possible, we have compiled this all-inclusive information hub. Please save this email and refer to it as you prepare for the big day.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- April 30 – May 7 (Noon): Pickup window for indoor Commencement tickets.
- Thursday, May 7: Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, Final Lap, and Senior Party.
- Friday, May 8 (7:00 PM): Baccalaureate Service in Gray Chapel.
- Saturday, May 9: Commencement Day!
Indoor Tickets
While the goal is an outdoor ceremony, indoor tickets are required if the event moves to the Gordon Field House due to inclement weather.
- Allotment: Each graduate receives 6 indoor tickets.
- Pickup Location: Academic Affairs Office (University Hall, Room 107).
- Pickup Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Starting 4/30/2026 – must be picked up by noon on May 7).
- Important Rules: You must pick up your own tickets; friends cannot collect them for you.
- Will Call: If you cannot pick them up, tickets will be available for guests at the Field House east entrance starting at 11:00 a.m. on Commencement Day.
Mandatory Rehearsal (Thursday, May 7)
Attendance is required for all students on campus.
- Location: Branch Rickey Arena.
- Schedule: Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m.; rehearsal starts at 4:00 p.m.
- What to Expect:
- Taking the final class photo.
- Confirming name card details and pronunciation.
- Practicing the line-up and processional (indoor and outdoor versions).
- Post-Rehearsal Events: Join the “Final Lap” around campus at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Senior Party in the Benes Rooms.
Commencement Day (Saturday, May 9)
- Morning Brunch: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the Benes Rooms for seniors and families.
- Check-in: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. You must check in to receive your name card.
- Processional: Begins at 1:00 p.m. sharp.
- Locations:
- Outdoor: Phillips parking lot (across from Selby).
- Indoor (Rain): Branch Rickey Arena.
- Line-up Order: Alphabetical by degree group (BFA, BM, BS, BA).
- Diplomas: You will receive a commemorative diploma cover on stage. Your official digital and printed diplomas will be mailed to your home address later.
Cords, Stoles, and Regalia
Cords and stoles are not distributed by the Bookstore or Registrar. Please contact the following directly:
- Athletics: Your coach.
- Clubs/Greek Life: Your organization president or chapter officer.
- Departments/Programs: Your department chair or program director.
- Major Honor Societies: Your department’s academic assistant.
- Phi Beta Kappa: Order through the national society.
Final Success Checklist
Before May 9, please ensure you have cleared all requirements with these offices:
| Office | Action Item |
| Registrar | Confirm graduation status. |
| Library | Return materials and clear your account. |
| Financial Aid | Wrap up final aid details. |
| Student Accounts | Ensure your balance is paid. |
| Bookstore | Pick up your cap and gown. |
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 you haven’t picked them up, your family 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 a photo of you with President vandenBerg and in front of an OWU backdrop.
- Will I receive my diploma? You will receive a commemorative OWU diploma cover during the ceremony. The official printed diploma will be mailed shortly after, and you will also receive a digital version.
- What if guests 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.
If you have any issues or cannot attend rehearsal, email provost@owu.edu immediately.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Academic Affairs – Provost Office
Contact: Viridiana Leonard at provost@owu.edu