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Congratulations Graduates!

Oakwood University’s Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies is scheduled for May 9-11, 2024. This represents the closing of one chapter and the start of another and we are so proud of you. As you look forward to this occasion there are some very important guidelines to keep in mind in order to complete your senior year and become eligible to participate in Graduation (May 11, 2024). Here you will find all the information you need as you prepare to “Depart to Serve”.

Commencement Ceremony

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GRADUATION WEEKEND CEREMONIES



 

GRADUATION CEREMONY INFORMATION
Important Dates

Spring Semester 2023

January 1 First Day to Order Regalia (oakwood.shopoakhalli.com)

January 31 Deadline to Change Major to General Studies 

January 31 Deadline to Submit Graduation Application for General Studies 

February 2 Graduation Application Deadline for Seniors not enrolled Fall 2022 

March 15  Last Day to Order Regalia – Email tthomas@oakwood.edu

March 4 – May 8 Graduation Clearance Process begins

March 17 Graduation Fair at Bookstore (3-6 PM)

April 3 Deadline for Spring Semester 2023 Graduating Seniors for Completion/Grades (Independent Study/Griggs/LSU/Transfer Credits/Incompletes/Changed/Deferred Grades, etc.)

April 3 Preliminary Graduation lists for printing 

April 6 Honors Convocation

April 10 Tentative Graduation List to Department Chairs and Academic Deans 

April 21 Final Graduation List for Printing 

April 28 – May 1 Final Exams 

May 9- 10 Pinning Services

May 10 – Consecration Service

May 11 – Commencement (Von Braun Center, 8:00pm) 

 

Ordering Regalia

Students should order their graduation regalia online  HERE. Please do not change the address as your cap and gown will be delivered to the bookstore.   You will be able to purchase extra tassels (if you are a dual degree recipient), diploma frames, etc.

Please note after ordering your cap and gown, you must visit the Office of Student Accounts to make your graduation fee payment of $371.00. The deadline for this payment is April 1.

Invitations may be purchased online, HERE, at an additional cost.

FAQ

When is Commencement?
Commencement is Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.

Are masks required?
No, mask are optional.

Where will Commencement be held?
Commencement will be held at the Von Braun Civic Center. 

Are tickets required for graduates or guests?
No.

Will there be a rehearsal for the graduates?
Yes. Rehearsal is held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 11a at the Oakwood University Church.

When and where do I go for the processional line-up?
Due to adjusted protocols there will not be a procession. Graduates will check in at Von Braun Civic Center at East Hall 2.

Where can I leave my belongings during the Commencement ceremony?
Please be aware that Oakwood University is unable to provide storage space to hold candidates’ personal belongings on the day of Commencement. Please only bring your cap, gown and tassel.

Will I be recognized individually at Commencement?
All graduation candidates will process across the stage to be recognized individually. Actual diplomas will be mailed at a later date.

Will my name be in the Commencement Program?
The program will list the names of all students who have completed the degree application and been approved for graduation by April 1. The Commencement Program is sent to the printer several weeks prior to the ceremony, and changes to the program will not be accepted after that time.

Will my picture be taken at Commencement?
Yes.  Oakwood University has contracted with an independent photography company (LifeTouch) that will take pictures of graduates as they receive their diploma covers. Following graduation, graduates will receive information directly from LifeTouch about the option to purchase photos.  Photos will be online at www.events.lifetouch.com one week after the ceremony.

Which side do I wear my tassel on?
Before graduating, your tassel should be placed on your right. After all graduates are individually recognized, you will be instructed to move your tassel to the left.

Are there any special accommodations for guest?
Graduates attending the Commencement Ceremony who need special accommodations should contact the Registrar Office at (256) 726-7353 or registrar@oakwood.edu by May 11, 2023. Individuals needing special parking and seating accommodations, should plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to commencement as this space is limited. (Add VonBraun Civic center info)

What are the Driving Directions and where should I park?
Visit the Von Braun Center (VBC) website for driving directions, http://www.vonbrauncenter.com/. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the VBC (Nominal fees of: City Parking Deck $5-Across from the VBC; South Hall Parking $10.00;and North Hall Parking $10.00).  

What are diplomas mailed?
Diplomas will be mailed out on June 30th. Please call the Registrar’s office for more information.

Approved Academic Honors

Students graduating with university-wide and academic honors who are members of the following organizations may wear the cords, ribbons, etc., described below, on their robes at Commencement:

 

Approved Honors Description
Honor Cords

Gold Cords: 3-Summa Cum Laude; 2-Magna CumLaude;

1-Cum Laude

Honor Medallions White, Blue, Green and Gold Ribbons
Academic Departments Medallions and Cords
Officers Cords TBD
Presidential Medallions Blue Ribbon
Alpha Chi National University Honor Scholarship Society Navy Blue and Green Cords
Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) National Biological HonorSociety Green and Red Cords
Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society Gold and Purple Cords
Kappa Delta Pi
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International Purple and Gold Cords
Phi Alpha National Honor Society
The Official Class Kente Shawl

 

Questions

Who can I contact if I have questions about Commencement?
If you have additional questions about Commencement that have not been addressed on this page, feel free to e-mail the Registrar’s Office (registrar@oakwood.edu).

View Photo Gallery

Our Flickr photo gallery includes photos of each of our graduation ceremonies from the current year and after. View them by clicking on the button below.

View Video Archive

Missed one of the graduation ceremonies? Click here to view our archive to view the live stream of our events.