Graduation

Click topic below to be directed to information:

Applying for Graduation and Timelines

FAQs about Graduation

Graduation Central

Directions to Hamilton Field House

Important Contacts

Link to Live Video Streaming

Link to Graduate Hooding Ceremony

Applying for Graduation and Timelines

Degrees are conferred at the close of the fall, spring, and summer terms. Commencement ceremonies are held in the fall and spring semesters only.  Summer graduation candidates participate in the spring ceremonies. The graduation fee will be applied to the student's account at the time of application.  It may be paid at the Cashier's window in the Nigh University Center. Application for Graduation forms should be completed on-line at http://broncho2.uco.edu/advisement/graduation.html.

Students apply online for Graduation prior to the semester in which they plan to graduate.  They should apply no later than July 1, for fall graduation, no later than November 1, for spring graduation, and no later than March 1, for summer in order to avoid an additional late fee. Students applying for graduation later than the deadlines above will be charged an additional $25 above the early graduation fee. Students who complete their degree requirements should receive diplomas by mail approximately four to five weeks following the last day of class in the semester in which they graduate.

 Transcripts reflecting notations of degrees earned in the previous semester are available approximately two weeks after the close of each term (fall, spring, and summer).  The graduation date indicated on the University of Central Oklahoma transcript will be the last official day of the semester at the close of the applicable fall, spring or summer terms.

Back to top

Frequent Graduation Questions

Below are some of the questions frequently asked by the faculty and staff as Commencement approaches.

How long is the Commencement ceremony?

Where and when do the processions line up?

What about inclement weather?

How do I acquire tickets for Commencement?

What time does seating open?

Where should I park?

How do I get a cap and gown for commencement?

Where can I order graduation announcements?

Are there any "green" changes to our ceremonies?

Is there a professional photographer on site?

Where can I find the schedule for Graduation Central?

How long is the Commencement ceremony?

The length of Commencement can vary depending on the number of graduates recognized.  Typically, Commencement lasts an average of 1 ½ hours.

Back to top

Where and when do the processions line up?

The undergraduate procession begins by Old North along the North side of Plunket Park one hour before the Commencement ceremony begins.  Faculty Marshals will be on hand to assist graduates in lining up by college in a double line.

The graduate procession will begin 1 hour before the graduate ceremony in the spring. For the fall ceremony the walk will not take place.  Students will meet in the Hamilton Fieldhouse Wrestling Room.  Students will line up by college with the faculty that hood them.

Once in the field house the procession splits, left line will sit left of stage, right line will sit right of stage.  If you want to sit with another graduate in your college during the ceremony, line up in front or behind them.  Graduates do not have to be in alphabetical order or by department, just with their college.

 Order of line:  Class Marshals and Undergraduate students.  If it rains students will be directed to the Hamilton Field House to be seated immediately.  

Students will sit on the Hamilton Field House floor along with the faculty.  Students will proceed into the Hamilton Field House from the west entrance in a double line at a slow pace.  Students must remain seated and cannot leave the field house floor until ceremony has concluded.

Back to top

What about inclement weather?

The UCO Commencement ceremonies are held in the Hamilton Field House.  Guests are directed into this facility regardless of weather.  The traditional Old North walk will be cancelled if weather is not conducive for a dry, safe walk to Hamilton Field House.  Students will be directed to the Hamilton Field House to be seated.

 Back to top

How do I acquire tickets for Commencement?

Six tickets are mailed to each student that applies and is eligible for graduation until the 14^th week of the semester.  If extra tickets are available an announcement will be on Centralities and UCONNECT for students to sign up for up to 4 additional tickets usually one month before the ceremony.  Contact Graduation Support at (405)974-2392. Everyone who attends Commencement must have a ticket.  Children 2 and under may sit on laps.  If all the extra seats on the floor after the graduates are seated they will be available AFTER the National Anthem.

Handicapped seating is available ONLY for the physically/visually and hearing challenged.  Seating for family of the handicapped is available on the bleachers adjacent to the floor seating.   

 

TICKETS ARE NOT TO BE SOLD

 

What time does seating open?

Seating opens 1 1/2 hours before each ceremony.  After each ceremony the field house must be cleaned to prepare for the next ceremony.  If you arrive early there may be crews in the field house that are cleaning and preparing for the next ceremony.  All guests must be seated within ten minutes before the ceremony begins.  Saving seats is not allowed.

 Back to top

Where should I park?

Parking is available in all campus lots. The campus map shows the location of the parking lots.  Handicapped parking is available in the west lot by Hamilton Field House.  There is not shuttle service available.  (parking map)

Back to top

How do I get a cap and gown for Commencement?

Bachelor and Master students will pay for and pick up their navy blue caps and gowns at UCO Graduation Central. Regalia will also be available at the UCO bookstore through the last Commencement ceremony.  Associate degree students from the ACM will purchase dark gray gowns, mortar boards, and tassels.

Back to top

Where can I order graduation announcements?

Announcements can be ordered at the UCO Graduation Central in October and March.  Announcements and other graduation items are available in the UCO bookstore or online at Herff Jones. 

Are there any "green" changes to our ceremonies?

Yes! To improve our sustainability efforts, UCO  Commencement committees are making an effort.  New recycling procedures have been put in place to recycle plastic, paper, programs, and decorations.

UCO has selected the Renew gown from Herff Jones for this year’s commencement ceremonies. Renew is made from Repreve® yarn, which is made from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles. Repreve is certified by U Trust_TM verification Program as being 100% recycled and made from post-consumer waste. After graduation, the Renew gowns are collected in specially designed recycling bins. The cap and tassel is kept by the student to commemorate graduation accomplishments, while the gowns are sent to UNIFI to be recycled back into Repreve fibers. Please look for the recycling bins outside of Hamilton Field House if you would like to recycle your gown.

A PDF copy of the Commencement program will be available on this website.

Commencement continues to work with colleagues in other units to units to further sustainability and green efforts in connection with UCO ceremonies and events.  

Back to top

Is there a professional photographer on site?

UCO works with Graduation Foto to take photographs of each student.  As students walk to the stage to receive their diploma cover they will pause for a picture.  Then they will present a Name Card to the Commencement Announcer, before they walk across stage.

You may have additional photographs taken after the ceremony by Graduation Foto outside of the field house.

Complimentary proofs of the photos will be mailed/e-mailed to the address you list on the back of the Name Card.  Please remember to complete the Name Card prior to the ceremony.

 Back to top

Where can I find the schedule for Graduation Central?

UCO will celebrate graduates during the Graduation Central celebration in the Spring and Fall. Dates will be posted on the Commencement website, Centralities, and in campus buildings.

Graduation Central - March 12, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and March 13, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

A one-stop shop for students anticipating graduation. Order announcements, buy regalia, learn about career services, find out whom to contact to check on your progress towards graduation, join the alumni association, or look at senior rings. In addition, information concerning repayment of student loans will be available. For students unable to attend Graduation Central, regalia and announcements may be purchased at the UCO Bookstore.

Graduation Central is scheduled for March 12th and 13th, 2013, in the Nigh University Center by the UCO Bookstore.

 Back to top

 Commemorative DVD

You may purchase a copy of the DVD for your Commencement ceremony by contacting Graduation Nation: www.graduationnation.com.

By phone: 1-888-523-3487

Commencement Photo

The use of personal cameras and video equipment will be allowed to the extent that they do not obstruct viewing and that consideration is made for others in the audience. Cameras will not be allowed on the floor of the field house or by the stage. Commencement photo pages will be taken by the professional photographer from Graduation Foto. Pictures will be mailed after the ceremony for families to purchase. For questions concerning photographic services, contact Graduation Foto at bob@graduationfoto.com or call (405) 364-1779.

Back to top

 Special Needs

Should a student's guest need special assistance for attending this event, please contact Graduation Support at (405) 974-2392 or tlute@uco.edu. Request must be made so that special needs can be accommodated, if possible. Families are encouraged to drive guests who cannot walk long distances to the handicapped entrance. (commencement map)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

A sign language interpreter will be at the Commencement ceremonies. If you wish to sit close to the interpreter disability seating is available for disabled person and one family member. Families cannot sit in disabled seating, but can sit in the bleachers beside the reserved area.

Back to top

Academic Honor Students

The Bookstore will have an official list of undergraduate students who have been designated as graduating with honors. Students meeting this criterion will be allowed to purchase an honor cord to be worn over their robe. Please contact the Office of the Registrar if you feel that your name was inadvertently omitted from the list.

Back to top

 Diplomas

Diplomas will be available six weeks after Commencement. Transcripts will not reflect degree until four weeks after Commencement. If the graduate needs proof of diploma they should contact their academic advisor on how to proceed. Commencement does not indicate a graduate earned a degree.

Back to top

Prohibited Substances

We request that you do not bring items into the arena that may distract from the dignity of the Commencement ceremony. Individuals who cannot comply with this request will be asked to leave the premises. Thank you for giving the ceremony the dignity and honor it deserves.

Back to top

Public Safety

Police Services will be assigned to different posts in and around the Hamilton Field House providing overall security. In case of an emergency, please contact a UCO officer or call (405) 974-2345. An ambulance is on the premises for medical emergencies.

Back to top

Directions to Hamilton Field House

To Hamilton Field House from East Bound I-40

• After approximately 3.5 miles exit onto I-44 E towards Tulsa/Wichita
• From I-40 East, take EXIT 147B and merge onto I-44 E/OK-3 W
• Continue North on Broadway Ext'n for 9 miles to E 2nd Street
• After 4.3 miles take EXIT 127 to Broadway Ext'n/US-77 N towards Edmond
• Turn right at E 2nd Street to S University Dr
• Turn left (north) at University Dr and continue to Ayers St
• Turn right on Ayers and follow 400ft. to Hamilton Field House (on left)

---

To Hamilton Field House from West Bound I-40

• From I-40 West, take EXIT 153 and merge onto I-35 North
• After 13.4 miles take EXIT 141 then a left turn towards City of Edmond at E 2nd St
• Continue on E 2nd St for 3 miles until you reach S University Dr
• Turn right (north) onto University and follow to Ayers St
• Turn right on Ayers and follow 400ft. to Hamilton Field House (on left)

---

To Hamilton Field House from I-35 South Bound

• From I-35 South, take EXIT 141 at E 2nd St
• Follow E 2nd St west for 3 miles until you reach S University Dr
• Turn right (north) onto University and follow to Ayers St
• Turn right on Ayers and follow 400ft. to Hamilton Field House (on left)

---

To Hamilton Field House from I-35 North Bound

• From I-35 North, take EXIT 141 at E 2nd St
• At E 2nd St intersection make a left turn towards City of Edmond
• Continue on E 2nd St for 3 miles until you reach S University Dr
• Turn right (north) onto University and follow to Ayers St
• Turn right on Ayers and follow 400ft. to Hamilton Field House (on left)

---

To Hamilton Field House from I-44 West Bound

• From I-44 West, exit and merge onto I-35N/OK-66 E toward Wichita
• Continue North for 3.4 miles then take EXIT 141 at E 2nd St
• At E 2nd St intersection make a left turn towards City of Edmond
• Continue on E 2nd St for 3 miles until you reach S University Dr
• Turn right (north) onto University and follow to Ayers St
• Turn right on Ayers and follow 400ft. to Hamilton Field House (on left)

---

To Hamilton Field House from I-44 East Bound

• From I-44 East, take EXIT 127 to Broadway Ext'n/US-77 N towards Edmond
• Continue North on Broadway Ext'n for 9 miles to E 2nd Street
• Turn right at E 2nd Street to S University Dr
• Turn left (north) at University Dr and continue to Ayers St
• Turn right on Ayers and follow 400ft. to Hamilton Field House (on left)

Back to top

Where to stay in Edmond:

For a list of places to stay in Edmond see the Edmond Convention and Visitors website.

Important Contacts:

Academic Affairs

Dr. Lori Beasley, Commencement Coordinator

(405) 974-3371

lbeasley@uco.edu

Graduation Support

Shelley Lute

(405) 974-2392

tlute@uco.edu

Bursar

(405) 974-2983

Herff-Jones

http://www.herffjones.com/college

UCO Barnes & Noble Bookstore

(405) 974-2736

bksuco@bncollege.com

Registrar's Office

(405) 974-2338

UCO Alumni Office

(405) 974-2421

Link to Commencement Video Streaming

Link to Graduate Hooding Ceremony page