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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
Questions? 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