Due to weather, the 2019 OU Commencement will be held at 7 p.m., Friday at the Lloyd Noble Center, 2900 S. Jenkins Ave., Norman. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and enhanced security and the clear bag policy is in effect. Tickets are not required for attending.
Soledad O’Brien will serve as OU’s 2019 Commencement speaker. O’Brien is an award-winning journalist, documentarian, entrepreneur, philanthropist and current host of Matter of Fact.
Doctoral candidates should arrive at the men’s practice facility at the south end of Lloyd Noble Center by 6 p.m. The floor and lower sections of the center will be open seating for bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates.
During the pre-Commencement concert, beginning at 6:20 p.m., family and friends of graduates may view a presentation on SoonerVision.
The processional of the president’s platform party and doctoral graduates into the arena begins at 7 p.m. Friday. Music is provided by the University Commencement Choir. International and Native American Nations flags representing OU’s international and Native American students and faculty will be displayed during the ceremony. There wil be no graduate procession at Lloyd Noble Center.
The Commencement ceremony will feature the official conferring of degrees by OU President
James L. Gallogly. Sign language interpreting services for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available in LE2 and captioning will be available on the scoreboard screens. The southeast entrance is the preferred accessibility entrance for guests who need special accommodations. To obtain accessibility parking and seating passes, please contact the Graduation Office at (405) 325-0841.
PARKING
Parking is available at Lloyd Noble Center and entrances on the west, north and east will be open.
SECURITY
Enhanced screening will be used at each entrance, with medical lanes for those who require alternate screening methods. The clear bag policy also is in effect. The approved clear plastic bag size is a maximum of 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. LNC policy will allow non-transparent clutch purses that are no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. 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 and the limit on bags is one per person.
Items that are allowed for Commencement and Convocations 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 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
· Umbrellas
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 chairs 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.
Security officers will search all bags before attendees will be permitted to enter. Those with prohibited items will be turned away.
Guests also are 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 additional information on Commencement and the inclement weather plan, please visit www.ou.edu/commencement. “Inclement Weather” is located under “University-Wide Commencement Information.” Confirmation of the Commencement location will be available on the website or by calling (405) 325-0841.
For the latest information on the individual college convocations and receptions, please visit www.ou.edu/commencement or contact the Graduation Office at (405) 325-0841. To receive text alerts related to Commencement, text OUGRAD19 to 67283 or follow the OU Graduation Office on Twitter at @OUGradOffice.
