Commencement
Faculty members watching spring commencement

For faculty

Commencement week is an exciting time for the entire university community. Faculty have the opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Before commencement

Faculty members who wish to be a part of the academic processional at Spring Commencement on Sunday, May 10, should notify their college or regional campus dean by Friday, April 24.

  • Faculty who plan to hood a PhD candidate during the ceremony should also contact the Graduate School at 614-292-6031 by Friday, April 24, for further assembly and hooding instructions.

All faculty are required to wear appropriate academic regalia in the processional. Cap and gown rentals may be ordered at Ohio State Bookstores. The deadline to do so for Spring Commencement is TBD for pick up in store and TBD for shipping. Orders placed after this deadline may incur a late fee.

On commencement day

On commencement day, faculty registered to march in the processional should report to the north rotunda entrance of Ohio Stadium with cap and gown. Assembly will be under the north ramp in the stadium corridor. Faculty should be robed and assembled by 11:30 a.m.

  • As a courtesy to all graduates, participating faculty should remain for the entire ceremony.

Inclement weather

If commencement cannot be held in Ohio Stadium due to inclement weather, the ceremony must be canceled. No indoor facility on campus can accommodate the graduating class and 60,000 guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to hold commencement as planned.

If it is raining or rain is forecast on commencement day, graduates and guests should come prepared with appropriate rain gear, ponchos, and. raincoats. Something to cover wet bleachers is also advised. Umbrellas are permitted in Ohio Stadium, but their use during the ceremony is discouraged.

If weather is severe enough (heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornado watch/warning) to necessitate a delay in the start of the ceremony, instructions will be announced on site to graduates and guests. After delaying the ceremony for as much as one hour, if the forecast still indicates no change in the severity of the weather, cancellation of the ceremony will be announced, and diplomas will be distributed from other campus locations. Instructions will also appear in the commencement program.

If the ceremony is underway but is interrupted by severe weather, graduates and guests should follow instructions as announced. It is advised that you prearrange a meeting place with your family and guests in case the ceremony is canceled. Graduates only will be admitted to the diploma distribution sites, which will be noted in the commencement program. St. John Arena and various locations on West Lane Avenue are suggested meeting sites.