Commencement

With the announcement that  the First Lady will provide this year’s Commencement address, University administrators and staff have been working hard to plan for this significant occasion. Their goal is to ensure that this year’s Commencement will focus first and foremost on celebrating the graduation of our students. Meanwhile, University staff members are  personally assisting graduates and their family members and guests to accommodate the date change and increased security measures required by the First Lady’s presence.
 
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012
Time: Anticipated start time – 3:30 p.m.  (when the first graduates enter Reser Stadium)
Anticipated number of students participating in Commencement – 3,500  to  4,000 ( 2,563 students participated in last year’s graduation ceremonies)
Anticipated number of guests – 35,000 (A approximately 17,500 attended last year)

To participate in commencement, you must file an application for graduation with the Registrar’s office. You must also be a graduate or anticipated graduate of the Summer 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Summer 2012 term or Fall, 2012.

Masters & PhD's must have completed their degree requirements by the Spring Term deadline to be eligible to attend the Spring 2012 ceremony.

If you are a Summer 2012 undergraduate degree candidate, the clearance of your degree will take place at the end of summer term. Likewise, if you are a Fall 2011 undergraduate degree candidate, the clearance for your degree will take place at the end of Fall Term.

You can reserve your place in the commencement ceremony online. The deadline to RSVP for commencement is May 18, 2012. Contact the Registrar’s office at 541-737-4331 or in 102 Kerr Administration Building if your plans change and you are unable to attend the ceremony.

The Registrar’s office will send important commencement information to all graduating students in April.

Security Information

This year's ceremony will have increased security. Make sure you are prepared in advance for these extra security requirements.

Time and Place

The commencement ceremony takes place on Sunday, June 17th starting at 3:30 p.m.

Cap and Gown

All candidates must wear traditional cap and gown. You can buy yours at Graduation Fair - April 17-18, 2012 10 a.m to 4 p.m. or at the OSU Bookstore after April 19. To order by phone, call 800-595-0357.

Diplomas

You will receive your diploma at commencement. However, this is based on Preliminary Grades and does NOT assure your degree will be awarded. This will be determined after final grades are awarded and the degree clearance processes are complete.

Should you decide not to attend the ceremony, you may pick up your diploma at the Registrar’s office beginning Monday, June 18. You may also have your diploma mailed.

Seating

Tickets will be required for this year's ceremony. Detailed information about ticket can be found on the Commencement Ticket webpage

Graduation Fair

Graduation Fair (Grad Fair) will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17-18, 2012 in the MU Ballroom. This is your opportunity to get information about the ceremony and make contact with the OSU Alumni Association. You can also buy:

• Cap and gown
• Class rings and other souvenirs
• Yearbooks
• Commencement announcements

If you’re unable to attend Grad Fair, you can buy graduation items from the OSU Bookstore after April 18.

Processional Line Up

Undergraduate candidates will report to the MU Quad. Master’s and doctoral candidates will report to the Valley Library quad. Marshals will give you instructions and place you in correct numerical order. You must maintain your exact order in line to ensure you get your diploma. An information booth in the MU Quad can give you directions or answer questions.  For more information about Processional Line Up please see the Lineup webpages

President’s Reception

Immediately following the ceremony, President and Mrs. Ray will host a reception for new graduates and their guests on Parker Plaza just outside of Reser Stadium gates A, B and C. All are welcome.

Photographs

GradImages™ will be photographing all graduates at the upcoming Commencement ceremony. After Commencement you can view pictures online at gradimages.com or call our customer service department at 1-800-261-2576.

Commencement Video

Preserve your graduation memories with a VHS or DVD copy of the commencement ceremony.

Assistance for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who may need special accommodations at commencement should contact the Registrar’s office by May 31.

Assistance for Guests with Disabilities or Medical Needs

Assistance is available to accommodate guests with hearing impairments, mobility problems, special seating and parking needs. Guests who are sensitive to outdoor conditions or would be more comfortable in auditorium seating may view the televised ceremony from the club section of Reser Stadium. Call the Commencement Hotline at 541-737-9390 for details.

Alcohol and Smoking

Alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited in Reser Stadium. Please do not bring alcohol to the lineup, processional or ceremony.