Commencement Ceremony Information - Oklahoma State University ...

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAY 19, 2014 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
LOCATION:
Oklahoma State Fair Arena
Oklahoma City
TIME: 6:15 p.m. Graduate Check-In
7:00 p.m. Ceremony begins
PARKING:
Parking is free. State Fair Park is located just northeast of the I-40 & I-44 intersection, at the 10th St.
East exit off of I-44. Enter gates 5 or 6 for easy access to parking.
ROBES AND OTHER APPAREL:
Graduates are required to wear caps and gowns. You may purchase your cap, gown and tassel in the
OSU-OKC bookstore for $46.00. Personalized announcements, souvenir tassels and other additional
graduation items are available for purchase in the bookstore.
Hints & Tips:
• The gown can be lightly pressed with a warm iron if need be.
• Don’t forget to bring your PTK stole/tassel, Honors medallion, Service Learning and/or Shine
cords with you. Students receiving those honors/awards should contact their organization for
more information on obtaining the regalia. For students with an overall 4.0, your white cords
will be given to you at check-in.
• The Fairgrounds Arena does not have a secure place for us to store graduates’ purses, jackets,
etc. If possible, those should be left with family or friends, as you will not be able to carry them
into the ceremony.
• Keep in mind, you will be doing quite a bit of walking from the check-in area to the arena floor
that includes stairs, a ramp and a long aisle. You may want to carefully select your
shoes…comfort is the key!
• The cap is designed to be worn with the mortarboard flat on the head rather than at a tilt, and the
tassel goes on the right. During the ceremony you will be directed as to when to move your tassel
from the right side to the left side.
LINE UP:
Graduates will line up by the division from which their degree was earned (indicated on your card). Our
staff will be there to help you find the right line. At the appropriate time, faculty Marshals will be
leading you into the arena area and to your seats.

THE CEREMONY:
The processional will lead graduates into the arena. Once you have arrived at your seat, remain standing
until after the invocation. After the invocation, the entire audience, faculty, staff and graduates, will be
seated. Graduates will be led to the stage to receive their diploma covers. Your diploma will not be in
the cover – it will be mailed to you approximately four to six weeks after commencement. The
culmination of the commencement ceremony is the conferring of degrees by OSU-OKC President,
Natalie Shirley. The conferring of degrees is a special moment that includes moving the tassel on the
mortarboard from right to left. At the end of the ceremony, you will be led back to the robing area by
the Marshals.
PHOTOS:
Candid Color will be taking pictures of graduates both on and off stage. After the commencement you
receive an access code that will allow you to view and order pictures at www.candidcolor.net.
You and your guests are welcome to take pictures during the ceremony as long as it doesn’t interfere
with the processional, recessional or general operation of the ceremony. Special areas will also be set up
outside the arena to provide a backdrop for family photos.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS/QUESTIONS:
Graduates requiring special accommodations should contact Dr. Jo Ella Flinton, Student Center, first
floor, 405.945.9106 at least a week prior to the commencement date to make any necessary
arrangements. The fairground arena is handicap accessible for guests.
RECEPTION:
A reception for students and guests will be held immediately following the commencement program.
FREE OSU-OKC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP:
Contact the OSU-OKC Alumni Office at 405.945.9106 to sign up for your free membership to OSU-
OKC Alumni & Friends.
For more information, check out our website:
www.osuokc.edu/graduation