Ohio University to celebrate Fall Commencement on Dec. 13; announces Spring 2026 Commencement schedule

More than 950 students are expected to participate in Ohio University’s Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The ceremony, which is for undergraduate and graduate students, will begin at 2 p.m. in the Convocation Center on Ohio University’s Athens Campus. The event is expected to last around 2.5 hours.

Distinguished Professor Dr. Kevin Mattson will deliver the Commencement Address. Mattson is the Connor Study Professor of Contemporary History in OHIO’s Department of History and a nationally recognized scholar of twentieth-century American ideas, culture, and politics. Named as a Distinguished Professor in 2025, Mattson has published widely in both academic and public outlets and serves on the editorial board of Dissent magazine.

Doors will open for the ceremony at 12:30 p.m. No tickets are required for admission, and students are allowed to bring as many guests as they would like to the event.

Visitors to campus for Commencement may park in any of the dark green or purple lots on campus from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. In addition, free event shuttles will be available from noon until 5 p.m. on Dec. 13.

For more information on parking, event shuttles and campus transportation options, see this Transportation and Parking Services Commencement information page.

Spring 2026 Commencement

Ohio University will also celebrate the achievements of its graduates during the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, recognizing students from across all colleges and programs for their academic accomplishments.

The Graduate Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Two Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will follow on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the Convocation Center:

• 9 a.m. — College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, Honors Tutorial College, and University College
• 2:30 p.m. — College of Health Sciences and Professions, College of Engineering and Technology, Scripps College of Communication, College of Fine Arts, and Patton College of Education

With thousands of visitors expected in Athens for commencement weekend, the University encourages graduates and their guests to plan accommodations early.

Additional details about Spring and Fall Commencement, including parking, accessibility and live stream information, is available at https://www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/commencement