Graduation

All graduation weekend events are non-ticketed, with seating on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please take a look at the Guest Information below for more details.

Nursing Pinning: doors open for seating at 12:00 PM. All nursing students must communicate with Melissa Little (mlittle@okwu.edu) regarding the number of attendees, seating arrangements for this service, and any other special requests. 

Celebration Service: doors open for seating at 6:15 PM. There are no seating assignments; get there early for the best seat availability. TRAD graduates are required to attend, and we encourage our GPS graduates to attend as well. Please bring your family to celebrate and worship with us. 

Commencement Ceremony: doors open for seating at 9:45 AM. There are no seating assignments for families; seat saving is discouraged – please have your family and friends as early as possible to get the best seats available. 

Guests are encouraged to sit towards the center of rows for optimal seating; ushers will help families and those with accessibility issues find the optimum seating areas. Overflow seating will be available in Lyon Hall after 10:20 AM. 

Main parking areas are listed on the Campus Map, with designated handicap-accessible parking located at the northeast parking lot at the main entrance to the Chapel Fine Arts Center (Admissions entrance). Alternate parking will be located across Silver Lake Road south of the main campus entry.

No health restrictions or regulations will be enforced during graduation weekend events. OKWU continues to monitor health protocols and will take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. Please keep an eye on this webpage for updated health information. 

For those unable to attend the commencement ceremony in person, a live broadcast link to our YouTube feed will be available at the top of this page starting just before the ceremony, approximately around 10:20 AM. 

Following the commencement ceremony, graduates and guests will recess through the lower west double doors to the outdoor patio and open green space, weather permitting (alternate day of changes will be announced in case of inclement weather concerns). 

Graduates will be given an alumni gift as they exit the chapel building. Opportunities for photos with OKWU staff and faculty will be available during the post-commencement gathering. 

Doc Lacy’s Coffee Shop WILL NOT BE open after the ceremony’s conclusion. OKWU merchandise is also available for purchase on the bookstore website.

• Graduation Application *see above link for graduate applications*
• Order cap & gown *see ‘Regalia’ below for ordering information*
• Commencement day information
  • Check in: 9:15 AM at circle drive Lyon Hall main entrance on the upper east side. 
  • Ceremony Instructions and Information for Graduates: 9:55 AM Lyon Hall
  • Graduate Processional Line up: 10:20 AM Chapel Foyer
  • Commencement Ceremony: 10:30 AM Chapel Fine Arts Center
  • Recessional to lower west outdoor patio and open area for pictures and social interaction
• Do I have a plan for someone to hold my things during commencement?
  • Make sure you have someone available to care for your personal items
• Did I convey the necessary info to my guests?
  • Make sure you have given your family and friends pertinent information regarding parking, seating, and commencement schedules (see Campus Map for parking areas)
• How do I fill out exit counseling information for student loans?
  • Federal Student loans:
    • Go to: https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/
      You will need your ID and two references with complete names, addresses, and phone numbers for these steps
      File the form and click ‘Submit’ at the end
    • The Office of Financial Aid will receive an automated notification when you have completed the process
  • TEACH Grant:
    • Go to: https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling
      Follow the steps as directed to complete this form
  • Private loans:
    • Please get in touch with your private lender and file the necessary paperwork with that entity

Graduates can order cap and gown regalia on the Herff Jones website. Select the graduate status that applies (Traditional, Graduate, or Nursing DNP), select your degree, select Shop, and order the appropriate materials needed.

Rented Doctoral regalia or purchased Master’s and Bachelor’s are due November 19, 2024. Doctoral graduates wishing to purchase regalia should contact Herff Jones directly for ordering options (Herff Jones: gradsw@herffjones.com). Purchase orders should be completed before October 24, 2024, to confirm the correct sizes and custom orders. 

You may decorate your cap if it is consistent with OKWU community standards, described as OKWU distinctives (page 5) and conduct expectations (pages 38-43) in our Student Handbook. If it is deemed inconsistent, you may be unable to walk in the ceremony.

Acceptable dress code expectations will follow the OKWU Dress Code policy on page 41 of the Student Handbook. Please note this is a formal event, and graduates should wear proper attire that is acceptable in a professional setting. DO NOT wear shorts, t-shirts, sandals, jeans, or other attire that is not of a professional standard.

If you have any questions regarding regalia or dress code items, please contact:

Jimmy Neill
Administrative Specialist to the Provost
918.335.6288
jneill@okwu.edu

• Stay home if sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or other health concerns. Live streaming of the commencement will be available on this webpage for those unable to attend.
• Practice good hygiene. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout university facilities.
• Food and beverages (except water) are prohibited inside the chapel auditorium.
• School safety officials, local law enforcement, and local EMT services will be located on-site to handle any situation outside the control of school staff or faculty. We ask that you please give them your highest level of respect when approached during any situation requiring their assistance.

• If your alumni mailing address has changed since completing your graduation application, you can update it in the link below. OKWU will make the address you submit in the link your address of record with OKWU. However, if your address changes at any time in the future, please update it using this link.
• Diplomas will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks after your degree is conferred, which is the last date of the term/semester when all graduation requirements are completed. Transcripts are available for order through this link within 7-10 days after the end of the term.
• Contact the Registrar’s Office with any questions.

For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding graduation weekend events, please contact:

Jimmy Neill
Administrative Specialist to the Provost
918.335.6288
jneill@okwu.edu