Frequently Asked Questions

When are commencements held?

Commencements are held for all graduating students in mid-December (Fall) and early-May (Spring) of each academic year. In addition, a Graduate School-only commencement is held in mid-August (Summer) each year. Fall and Summer commencements are held on Fridays. The Spring (or Annual) Commencement is held over a weekend in May.

Ceremony times are subject to change, but are usually 1:30 p.m. for Fall Commencement and 2 p.m. for Spring Commencement; Summer Commencement varies. All ceremonies begin promptly at the assigned times and run approximately 90 minutes. Be sure to allow ample travel time and arrive early as the roads in and around Oxford will be extremely congested.


Where are commencements held?

All university commencement ceremonies are held on the Oxford campus. Fall and Summer commencements are held in Millett Assembly Hall. Spring Commencement is held outdoors at Yager Stadium.

In addition to the main ceremony, divisional recognition ceremonies are held during Spring Commencement Weekend at locations across campus after the main ceremony.


Where do visitors park?

For the Fall and Summer commencements, parking is available in the Millett Hall parking lot.

During Commencement Weekend in May, all university parking lots are open to the public, and signs providing directions to the lots are posted. Yager Stadium parking is available in the Millett Hall, Ditmer, Cook Field, and Leonard Howell lots. On both Saturday and Sunday, we strongly recommend that you use our shuttle services from the Ditmer and Cook Field lots.

Handicapped parking is available with a state-issued disability placard only.


Are tickets required for attendance?

No, tickets are not required for any of the ceremonies.


Can I take photos or shoot video during the ceremony?

Yes, but only from your seat. To prevent disruptions and distractions to others, you are prohibited from standing on the main arena or stadium floor during the ceremony. A professionally recorded DVD and several photo options will be available for purchase from Chappell Graduation Images. They will send you a separate mailing with ordering and price information.


Are accommodations and meals available on campus?

Yes, a la carte and buffet-style meals are available at Shriver Center and several campus dining halls. Some meal options require advance reservations and a deposit.

A limited number of overnight guest accommodations in university residence halls are available for the Saturday night of Spring Commencement Weekend in May, but you must make reservations in advance. (More information will be available in the commencement brochure mailed to the graduating student's home address.) Please plan your check-in time for after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Check-out time is 4 p.m. Sunday. You will be assigned to a specific residence hall when you register in the lower level of Morris Hall.


Are facilities and services available for disabled visitors?

Yes, handicapped parking is available with a state-issued disability placard only. Yager Stadium and Millett Assembly Hall are wheelchair accessible, and attendants will be available to direct you to your seating. One companion will be permitted to sit with the wheelchair user. American Sign Language interpreters and Realtime captioning will be provided for deaf/hard-of-hearing visitors. Assistive listening devices are also available. If you have any questions regarding disability services, contact the Office of Disability Services at 513-529-1541 (v/t).


What happens if a medical emergency arises?

First aid stations will be available during the ceremony. In Millett Hall, the first aid station is located on the southwest concourse. At Yager Stadium, first aid is available on the west concourse. Campus police will be available to assist in any emergency. If needed, Oxford's McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital is just blocks away.


Does the Spring Commencement ceremony proceed as planned during inclement weather?

Unless the weather is severe, the commencement ceremony will still occur. Candidates and their guests are advised to dress appropriately. While umbrellas are not encouraged, their use will not be prohibited in the stadium if it is raining.

If severe weather occurs (tornados, severe thunderstorms, etc.), the university ceremony may be shortened or canceled. Any such decision will be announced on WMUB 88.5 FM and on this website by noon.