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| FREQUENTLY ASKED COMMENCEMENT QUESTIONS |
| Is my name on the graduation list? |
| If I have requested confidential status, will my name be listed in the commencement program? |
| I am not completing my coursework until the following semester, can I participate in this ceremony? |
| When do Winter graduates walk? |
| Are commencement facilities handicap accessible? |
| How long does the ceremony last? |
| When will I get my diploma? |
| How do I know if I am eligible for honors? |
| Where do I get my cap, gown and announcements? |
| Where do I get my honor cords? Is there a charge? |
| How are graduates recognized? |
| Do I have to stay for the entire ceremony or can I get up and leave after I receive my diploma cover? |
| In case of inclement weather, is the ceremony cancelled? |
| I have earned a post-master certificate, do I participate in Commencement Ceremonies? |
| Is my name on the graduation list? |
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If your name is not on the graduation list, check with the Academic Records Office at (248) 370-3460 or (248) 370-4055 to make sure you have completed an Application for Degree. [return to top] |
| If I have requested confidential status, will my name be listed in the commencement program? |
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No, to comply with FERPA regulations, your name will not be listed. If you wish to have your name added to the program, you must inform the Academic Records Office in 100 O'Dowd Hall, Window #5.
Students who have requested privacy under FERPA should keep in mind that Oakland University will not be able to confirm your attendance at OU when employers call to verify degrees. To remove privacy from your record, you must go to the Office of the Registrar (101 O'Dowd Hall) with photo identification. |
| I am not completing my coursework until the following semester, can I participate in this ceremony? |
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Students must contact the Office of the Dean for their school or college to request to participate. [return to top] |
| When do Winter graduates walk? |
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Winter (April) and Spring (June) graduates participate in the Spring commencement ceremony held in May at Meadow Brook Music Festival. Summer (August) and Fall (December) graduates participate in the December commencement ceremony held in the Athletic Arena. [return to top] |
| Are commencement facilities handicap accessible? |
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Yes, the facilities are handicap accessible. Upon arrival, the staff at the facility will direct guests to the seating area. [return to top] |
| How long does the ceremony last? |
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Each ceremony lasts approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours. [return to top] |
| When will I get my diploma? |
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Diplomas are mailed from the Academic Records Office approximately 8-12 weeks after graduation. [return to top] |
| How do I know if I am eligible for honors? |
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For information about honors, please refer to the OU catalog. For departmental, school, and conciliar honors, contact your adviser or your department. [return to top] |
| Where do I get my cap, gown and announcements? |
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Graduates need to contact the University Bookstore to place their orders for announcements. Caps and gowns can be purchased in the Bookstore or at the Graduation Fair (see Important Dates). All participants are expected to wear academic regalia. [return to top] |
| Where do I get my honor cords? Is there a charge? |
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University and departmental or school honor cords are given to eligible graduates at the registration table on the day of commencement. There is no charge. Honor societies are responsible for the distribution of their cords, therefore, contact your organization for any cost. [return to top] |
| How are graduates recognized? |
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Upon arrival, graduates check in at the registration table where they pick up their name card, which has their degree title and honors, if any. The card is handed to the reader who then reads all the printed information on the card as the graduate crosses the stage. [return to top] |
| Do I have to stay for the entire ceremony or can I get up and leave after I receive my diploma cover? |
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Graduates are to remain in their seats until the ceremony ends and they are directed by the marshal to process out of the area. [return to top] |
| In case of inclement weather, is the ceremony cancelled? |
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In case of inclement weather, please call the university (248) 370-2000 or tune in to WJR or WWJ radio or watch FOX2, WDIV-TV or WXYZ-TV for information on cancellation of ceremonies. [return to top] |
| I have earned a post-master certificate, do I participate in Commencement Ceremonies? |
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No, Oakland University main commencement exercises are for students completing degrees. [return to top] |