Frequently Asked Questions
Students who have fulfilled requirements to graduate should download an undergraduate application or a graduate application to graduate. The application must be signed by your advisor and filed with the registrar’s office prior to the deadline date specified in the academic calendar.
There are three graduation dates (fall, spring, and summer) and one commencement ceremony (May). Students completing degree requirements in the fall participate in the following May commencement ceremony. Students completing degree requirements in the spring term participate in the May commencement ceremony following the end of that term.
Students completing degree requirements in the summer term participate in the May commencement ceremony of that same calendar year. Students on track to complete degree requirements in the fall semester of the following academic year may participate in the May commencement ceremony of that calendar year. To do so, the student must request permission from Academic Affairs before the application deadline published in the academic calendar.
The morning ceremony should last approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The afternoon ceremony should last about 90 minutes.
Graduates should wear business-casual style clothing under their gowns. Dark shoes are appropriate.
The Baccalaureate Service is a worship service which celebrates the gifts of the senior class and asks for blessings upon their future endeavors. The service takes place in the chapel at 9:00 a.m. on the day of spring commencement.
Seating for handicapped guests is available on the arena floor. Please arrive early (doors open 1 hr. 15 min. prior to each ceremony), as seating is first-come, first-served. Ushers will escort handicapped guests to available seating.
EMSA will be stationed outside the front entrance of the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
Parking areas are indicated on the campus map. Handicap parking will be available in the West parking lot of the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
There is not space available for family members to take a photograph of their graduate as they receive their diploma. Candid Color Photography will be on stage to take photographs as each graduate receives their diploma. An additional photograph will be taken after the graduate leaves the stage. Proofs will be mailed to the graduate and will be available online at www.okcpartypics.com.
There will be an OKCU backdrop set up in the arena for photographs following the ceremony.
Please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your ceremony. Graduates will line up in the hallways on the east and west sides of the arena. Signs will be posted and ushers will be available to escort graduates to their place in line.
A DVD of the ceremony will be available following the ceremony. Please fill out an order form at the information table on the east side of the lobby, or contact Academic Affairs at (405) 208-5287.
Diplomas will be mailed to the address on the candidate's graduation application six to eight weeks after commencement. Diplomas will be held for students with who have a balance with the Student Accounts Office. Contact Heidi DePuy, (405) 208-5266.
Yes! Career Services exists to help with résumé development, interviewing, and networking strategies; opportunities to meet employers on campus; and, guidance for graduate school.
For assistance, please contact Career Services at (405) 208-5171.
Yes. Please contact Academic Affairs at (405) 208-5287.
Graduates should attend Gateway to Graduation to pick up their caps and gowns, or contact the bookstore for further commencement regalia information.
Honor cords for undergraduate students are distributed to your dean's office approximately one week prior to commencement.