Commencement Ceremony Information

• Date and location - Fall 2024 Commencement exercises will be held on Dec. 13-14, on the Bowling Green campus. 
  
• RSVP requirement - All graduates who wish to attend their ceremony must complete the online RSVP form by Nov. 18. The form is sent to each graduate's BGSU email.
• Ceremony length - Each ceremony should last approximately 2 hours. Out of respect for all graduates, guests and participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of their ceremony.
  
• Caps and Gowns - Learn more about our caps and gowns policies and guidelines. You can purchase your cap and gown by visiting Falcon Outfitters or you can order online. If you have questions regarding Falcon Outfitters merchandise, call 419-372-2851 or toll free 866-517-9766.
• Program/display deadline - Graduates must be approved for graduation by Registration and Records by Nov. 18, 2024 in order to be included in the printed program and to have their name displayed at the ceremony. After this deadline, a graduate may still be allowed to attend Commencement, cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. The Commencement team cannot guarantee their name will be included in the printed program, or displayed on screen when crossing the stage.

Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Ceremony
Doctoral and master's degree candidates
Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.
Stroh Center

Undergraduate Ceremony
Bachelor’s and associate degree candidates
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m.
Stroh Center

• Guest tickets will be required for entry for the Dec. 14 ceremony.
• Graduates who RSVP to their ceremony will receive eight (8) electronic guest tickets. No additional tickets will be provided.
• Seating at the Stroh Center is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Approximately one week prior to the ceremony, electronic tickets will be sent to each graduate’s BGSU email. 

• General parking - Free parking will be available in the parking lots surrounding the Stroh Center. Please follow all traffic signage, as well as directions of the parking staff and police officers.
• Disability parking - Free disability parking will be available in the lots nearest to the Stroh Center. A state-issued disability placard or state-issued disability plate will be required for entry into these lots. Golf cart transportation will be available for those with mobility issues.

• Livestreams - For graduates and guests not able to attend in person, the Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed at BGSU.edu, BGSU YouTube and BGSU Facebook.
• Photography vendor - GradImages will photograph graduates receiving their diploma, standing in front of the University backdrop, and as they are waiting in line. GradImages mails proofs with no obligation to purchase. Graduates can pre-register their email. Pre-registration allows GradImages to notify graduates within 72 hours after the ceremony about viewing the digital proofs and online ordering. For more information, call 800-261-2576 or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.

• Accessibility Services - BGSU is committed to an inclusive and equitable Commencement experience. To individuals with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services, access@bgsu.edu, 419-372-8495. Please notify us prior to the event. 
  
• RSVP form - The RSVP form will capture accessibility needs of graduates and guests. In advance of the ceremony, a member of the Commencement team will reach out to anyone who indicated accessibility needs. If you have any questions, please email commencement@bgsu.edu.
  
• ASL interpreter - An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will appear on all video screens and broadcasts.

• Graduate Drop-off - Graduates should be dropped off in the parking lot of the Mileti Alumni Center, located on the corner of Mercer Road and Alumni Drive.
• Arrival time and location - All graduates must arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to their ceremony. Graduates should enter through the Schmidthorst Pavilion entrance of the Stroh Center, located on the southwest corner of the building, which faces Wooster Street.
• Pick up your announcer card - Once graduates arrive, they must go to the check-in tables to receive and fill out their announcer card. The announcer card includes the graduate’s name and is used to recognize each graduate as they cross the stage. If you are concerned with the pronunciation of your name, please write your name phonetically on your card to help the announcer.
• Find your college area - Once you fill out your announcer card, volunteers will direct you to the location your college is assembling. Graduates should find their college and line up to prepare to enter the ceremony area.
• Entering the ceremony - Commencement staff will direct movement throughout the ceremony. Graduates will process into the ceremony area approximately 10 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. Staff will direct graduates to their seats.
• Crossing the stage - Commencement staff will direct graduates to the stage at the appropriate time. Graduates should bring their announcer card to the stage with them. After crossing the stage, graduates must return to their seats.
• Late arrivals - Any graduate who is late may not be able to sit with their college. Graduates arriving late should go to the check-in tables. Event staff will try to assist you.
• Attire and personal items - Graduates should arrive in complete academic regalia (cap and gown). Attire under regalia is business casual. Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. Any valuables or personal items should be left with family members or guests.

• Arrival time - Doors open to guests one hour prior to the ceremony. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
• General parking - Free parking will be available in the parking lots surrounding the Stroh Center. Please follow all traffic signage, as well as directions of the parking staff and police officers.
• Disability parking - Free disability parking will be available in the lots nearest to the Stroh Center. A state-issued disability placard or state-issued disability plate will be required for entry into these lots. Golf cart transportation will be available for those with mobility issues.
• Golf cart assistance - Golf cart transportation will be available for those with mobility issues. Golf cart passengers will be picked-up and dropped-off at the designated areas.
• Pets - Pets are not permitted. Only service animals will be permitted.