Graduation is a big step: All your hard work has paid off, and your journey as an OU alum is about to begin.
Keep in mind these important points to make your special moment a stress-free one.
What is the difference between Commencement and College Convocations?
Commencement is the university-wide ceremony where degrees are officially conferred. Filled with pageantry, it is the time for the Class of 2023 to celebrate their achievements and culmination of their time at the University of Oklahoma.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. will preside over the ceremony, the Commencement speaker will offer a timely address and the university will present honorary degrees. Doctoral degree candidates will be individually recognized at this ceremony.
Commencement will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, May 12, at The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
At the College Convocations, graduates will be recognized by name as they cross the stage, have their picture taken and receive their diploma cover. This is the time for candidates to celebrate with those in their college.
There will be 23 individual College Convocation ceremonies. A complete schedule is available here.
Who is this year’s Commencement speaker?
Randall Stephenson, former chairman and chief executive officer of AT&T Inc., steadfast supporter of educational causes and 2012 honorary degree recipient, will serve as the 2023 Commencement speaker..
Tickets are not required for Commencement.
Graduates are encouraged to bring as many families and friends as they would like to Commencement. Check with your college coordinator for individual Convocation details.
Be aware of venue security protocols.
Please be aware of, and make your guests aware of security screenings, the university’s Clear Bag Policy (pdf) and prohibited items.
At the ceremonies held on the Norman campus, all guests and graduates will pass through a security screening before entry to the graduation venue. For quicker entry, guests and graduates are encouraged to not bring bags. Only clear bags can be brought into the graduation venue. Due to security requirements, strollers and car seats are not permitted.
Plan what to wear.
Commencement will be held outdoors in The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. All graduates must wear a cap and gown for both Commencement and Convocations.
Where should I park for Commencement?
Parking is available for guests and graduates in the parking locations below.
What gate will graduates enter the stadium for Commencement?
Doctoral candidates will enter through Gate 7.
Master’s and undergraduates may enter through Gates 2, 7, 11, 12 or 13.
What gate will guests enter the stadium for Commencement?
Guests can enter through Gates 2, 7, 11, 12 or 13.
What if I need special accommodations at Commencement?
Services are available to graduates and guests attending Commencement who may require specific accommodations based on accessibility needs. Click here for special accommodations at Commencement.
If you need accessible services for a specific college’s Convocation, please contact the college directly.
Can I volunteer to help at Commencement?
Yes! Please see below for ways to volunteer.
Students: The Commencement Office is recruiting student groups to participate as Commencement Ambassadors and International Flag Bearers. OU is offering payment for students’ service at this event, which comes in the form of a deposit to your student organization’s account.
Staff: Volunteers will serve as Line Leaders, Accessibility Hosts, Golf Cart Hosts, Hospitality Hosts, Information Booth Hosts, Leaders Overseeing Student Ambassadors and many other areas. These are all such important positions that ensure graduates, and their guests have the best experience possible at this year’s Commencement ceremony..
