Graduation

Graduation ceremonies for Spring 2024 will be held on Friday, April 26th. Click here for more details.

Graduating students will be charged a $100 graduation fee to cover the cost of regalia, ceremony expenses and degree postage. This fee is applied to all graduating students, regardless of whether they participate in the commencement ceremony.

What You Need to Know

1. Regalia
   
   Men: Suit coats are not required, but ties should be worn. Dark slacks, dark socks and dark shoes are considered appropriate apparel for academic regalia occasions.
   
   Ladies: Dark clothing should be worn under the black robes. No flowers are to be worn or carried.
   
   According to the traditions of academic regalia, no jewelry or non-academic accessories should be worn on the outside of the robe. The only exceptions are the medallions and cords worn to indicate academic honors (contact your sponsor for further information).
   
   
2. Photography
   During the ceremony, each candidate will walk across the stage and receive a diploma cover. A photograph will be taken at this point by a professional photographer. Under no circumstances will anyone other than the professional photographer be allowed on the stage to take pictures. Anyone taking pictures from the floor should be careful not to block the aisles. Thank you for your cooperation.
   
   Pre-register now for graduation photos here. Purchase will also be available after graduation at the same link.
   
   
3. Seating for the elderly and those with physical limitations
   The Payne Athletic Center will offer plenty of seating for the elderly and those with physical limitations. Baugh Auditorium also has seating available. During COVID-19 times, weather permitting, graduation will be held with limited seating in the parking lot north of the Mabee Learning Center. In all cases, we recommend you get there early to ensure you have appropriate seating.
   
   
4. Seating for guests requiring a sign language interpreter
   If family members or other guests require the services of an interpreter, the candidate should contact the Event’s Office immediately. We will need to request an interpreter and seats will be held with a sign stating: “Reserved for Guests requiring Sign Language Interpretation.”
   
   
5. Undergraduate academic honors designations in the printed program
   At OC, three levels of honors are noted during commencement for undergraduate candidates:
   
   • summa cum laude - 3.85-4.00 GPA
   • magna cum laude - 3.60-3.84 GPA
   • cum laude - 3.40-3.59 GPA
   
   Undergraduate honors are based on a student’s GPA (as noted above) for courses taken. Honors listed in the graduation program for undergraduate candidates are based on the GPA and hours completed as of the previous term. If the final term’s grades alter the student’s standing, the correct honor will be noted on the transcript and diploma. If you have any concerns or questions, you may check with a representative from the Registrar’s Office. If you are in an honor society, please contact your sponsor about cords or medallions worn at the ceremony.
   
   
6. Extra or unusual noises during the ceremony
   Please ask your family members and guests to refrain from bringing air horns or other unusual noise-making instruments into the Payne Athletic Center (or other graduation location) for use during the ceremony. The OC commencement ceremony is not a high school ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation.
   
   
7. Recessional
   Please ask your family and guests at the ceremony to remain in their seats until the recessional is finished. Please stay in line with your fellow graduates until you have exited the building.

Information for Degree Candidates

1. Financial Arrangements
   All candidates who have NOT conducted an exit Interview with a representative of the Office of Student Financial Services, or who have NOT cleared their student account balance, must do so before beginning graduation procedures. If necessary, you may make an appointment with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services.
   
   
2. Diplomas
   The name and mailing address on the graduation forms will be used for the commencement program and to print and mail diplomas. Therefore, you MUST fill out the graduation form in the Registrar’s section of myOC. You will only receive your diploma cover at the ceremony. If the address to which you want your diploma mailed (within two months following commencement) has changed, you must inform the Registrar’s Office. Nothing can be released until you are cleared with Financial Services so please take care of this early.
   
   
3. Invitations
   Invitations may be ordered at the Senior / Graduate Salute. After that date, candidates must go to www.jostens.com to order invitations.
   
   
4. Class Rings
   Class rings can be ordered at Senior / Graduate Salute. Rings are at the candidate’s expense.
   
   
5. Picking up Regalia
   Academic regalia for undergraduate candidates will be available to pick up at the Senior / Graduate Salute.

Contact

If you need confirmation that you are graduating or need to inform someone you will not be participating in the ceremony contact the Registrar’s Office at 405.425.5200.

If you have further questions about the ceremony, contact the Events Office at events@oc.edu.