OU to Hold Convocation Ceremonies Celebrating Fall Graduates

NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma will hold 10 college convocation ceremonies Dec. 15-16 to honor the achievements of its fall graduates.

Nearly 2,400 graduation candidates will participate in the December 2023 ceremonies, where they will be recognized individually, have their pictures taken and their diplomas presented by their dean.

“We congratulate all of our fall graduates on their remarkable accomplishments,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “We eagerly await the positive impact they will undoubtedly make as they join the thousands of graduates who are part of the OU alumni family.”

Colleges hosting a December convocation on the OU Norman campus have been assigned a specific ceremony time and location, and all ceremonies will be livestreamed. For more information, visit ou.edu/commencement.

VENUE SECURITY

In an effort to make the convocation ceremonies as safe as possible, the following security procedures will be in place.

All guests and graduates will pass through a security screening before entry to the graduation venue, with medical lanes available for those who require alternate screening methods.

The clear bag policy is also in effect. The approved clear tote bag size is a maximum of 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches. One-gallon clear plastic storage bags and non-transparent clutch purses that are no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches will also be allowed. Bags that are necessary for medical equipment will be searched at marked medical lanes at each gate. No other bags or purses, including diaper bags, will be permitted. The limit on bags is one per person.

Express lanes will be available for those who do not bring bags to the venue.

Items that are allowed for graduation ceremonies include:

• Clear plastic bags (1 per person) no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (1 per person)
• Non-transparent clutch purses or wallets no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (1 per person)
• Bags necessary for approved medical equipment
• Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be in a clear plastic bag
• Empty, clear plastic water bottles less than 17 oz.
• Seat cushions and chair backs smaller than 16” wide and without frames or armrests
• Still photography cameras
• Video cameras

Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded, and any unlawful items are subject to confiscation.

• Alcohol (in all forms)
• Baby seats
• Baby strollers
• Backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, fanny packs, purses or binocular cases
• Balloons
• Banners/signs
• Beach balls, footballs, balls or other sporting equipment
• Coolers, containers or ice chests
• Explosives, firearms or weapons
• Folding chair or stools
• Food or drink
• Gift-wrapped packages
• Laptops
• Laser pointers
• Noise makers of any type (i.e., air horns, plastic horns, whistles, etc.)
• Personal heaters
• Pets (with the exception of registered service dogs)
• Selfie sticks, bi pods, monopods, etc.
• Umbrellas

Security officers will search all bags before attendees are permitted to enter. Those with prohibited items will be asked to return items to their car. Items left at the entrance will be discarded.

Guests are also reminded that all OU facilities are tobacco, electronic cigarette and vaping device-free. The use of all tobacco products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is prohibited anywhere on the OU grounds or campus.

For more information on OU’s December Convocation Ceremonies, visit ou.edu/commencement or email commencement@ou.edu.