Congrats, grads: Need-to-know information for Fall Commencement 2019

Congratulations, to-be-graduates! Ohio University wishes to congratulate all of its students who have worked diligently to reach this point in their academic careers. To make commencement go as smooth as possible, OHIO has compiled need-to-know information for the approximately 900 students who are expected to participate in the 2019 Fall Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14. In this article, you'll find information on parking and transportation, accessibility services, photography and more. 

A combined undergraduate and graduate Commencement ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

Degrees will be conferred in the following order:

• Candidates for Doctoral Degrees
• Candidates for Master's Degrees
• Candidates for Bachelor's and Associate Degrees

There will be a recessional for this event. Once the name of a graduate has been called from the stage, they should return to their seat. After all degrees have been conferred, the 2019 Fall Commencement will stand adjourned.

Instructions and tips for graduates

• Preselect a location outside of the Convocation Center to meet your family and guests.
• Candidates must assemble in the Convocation Center lower lobby no later than 1:15 p.m.
• Tickets are not necessary for this ceremony.
• Signs will be placed throughout the Convocation Center lower lobby area indicating each college's location. Candidates will form a single line behind the appropriate sign.
• Pick up a name card from a staff member at your respective college table in the Convocation Center lower lobby. Please keep your name card until you are called to the platform for recognition.
• Please turn off cell phones or set them to silent or vibrate.
   

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Instructions and tips for parents and guests
 

General information

• This Commencement exercise will be held indoors in the Convocation Center, located on the West Green of Ohio University’s Athens Campus. Dr. Steven Evans, Distinguished Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Intervention Research in Schools in the College of Arts and Sciences, will be the keynote speaker.
• Doors will open at approximately 12:30 p.m. Tickets are not required, and the ceremony is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours. Guests may enter through the main doors off of Richland Avenue.
• For the safety and security of those attending Commencement, all bags and packages entering the Convocation Center before and during the ceremony will be subject to inspection. This includes, but is not limited to, purses, backpacks, camera bags and diaper bags. These are precautionary measures, and are not in response to a specific threat.

Parking information 

• Parking for Fall Commencement is available in any regular non-metered, non-restricted space within a dark green or purple lot on campus. A map detailing these parking lots is available at: https://www.ohio.edu/transportation-parking.
• Please pay close attention to campus signage and event staff who will be on site prior to commencement to provide assistance and direction.
• Disability parking and a drop-off location for those with mobility concerns is located at the Convocation Center Lots 127 & 128. A state-issued disability placard or license plate is required for long term parking. Please follow directional signage & event attendants for designated drop-off and parking locations. 
• For a complete listing of transportation & parking resources available for Fall Commencement

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Transportation information

• Free event shuttles and accessible transportation will be available from several parking lot locations (including perimeter parking) to the Convocation Center for all Commencement guest from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Accessibility services

• Wheelchairs and attendants are located at the main lobby for guests with limited mobility. These wheelchairs are for transport only; guests may not stay seated in these wheelchairs, but can be transported to the arena seating areas. Guests with personal wheelchairs must check them in the main lobby and will be issued a claim ticket.
• Wheelchair-bound guests will be directed to a designated location that will accommodate the personal chair. No more than one member of the family will be permitted to accompany as an attendant.
• Seating for hearing-impaired guests will be in the first two rows of Section 101.
• Hearing devices are available, and a sign language interpreter will be present throughout the ceremony.

Additional information 

• Diabetic kits are located in the main lobby, the west entrance and the service entrance.
• Strollers must be checked upon arrival. A claim ticket will be issued.
• Restrooms are located on the outer concourse. 
• Two Single-User restrooms are located on the lower concourse area. 
• A lactation room is located on the main concourse.
• Changing tables are in all restrooms.
• A lost and found area will be located at the will call office in the main lobby.
• No one other than graduates and faculty is allowed on the Convocation Center floor.
• Please turn off cell phones or set them to silent or vibrate.

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Traffic and construction 
Visitors are advised that traffic can be heavy in Athens on Commencement weekend, and they are urged to arrive early.

Inclement weather instructions 
Stay tuned to www.ohio.edu/alert and www.ohio.edu/commencement for information and updates regarding inclement weather or event cancellations.

Photography
Photographs will be taken by GradImages. A picture will be taken of each individual being greeted by a University official on stage. Within 10 days of commencement, candidates should receive a photographic proof. There is no obligation to purchase these pictures.

If you have any inquiries about photos, you can contact the GradImages Customer Service Department at 800-261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email giservice@gradimages.net.  

A word on personal behavior
The vast majority of family members and graduates prefer OHIO’s Commencement ceremony to be a formal, dignified event. Graduates may decorate their mortar boards; however, they are discouraged from acts that detract from the overall ceremony.

Items that are distracting to the ceremony, or threaten safety, will be confiscated before and during the ceremony.

For more information, visit www.ohio.edu/commencement.