Congratulations Graduates!
Oakwood University’s Spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies is scheduled for May 10-13, 2023. This represents the closing of one chapter and the start of another and we are so proud of you. As you look forward to this occasion there are some very important guidelines to keep in mind in order to complete your senior year and become eligible to participate in Graduation (May 13, 2023). Here you will find all the information you need as you prepare to “Depart to Serve”.
NOTE: Due to COVID, times, dates and events may change. Updates will be posted on this page.
Commencement Ceremony
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Commencement Ceremonies
GRADUATION CEREMONY INFORMATION
GRADUATION LATEST UPDATES
Important Dates
Spring Semester 2023
January 1 First Day to Order Regalia (oakwood.shopoakhalli.com)
January 31 Deadline to Change Major to General Studies
January 31 Deadline to Submit Graduation Application for General Studies
February 2 Graduation Application Deadline for Seniors not enrolled Fall 2022
March 17 Last Day to Order Regalia – Email tthomas@oakwood.edu
March 20 – May 11 Graduation Clearance Process begins
March 19 Graduation Fair at Bookstore (3-6 PM)
April 3 Deadline for Spring Semester 2023 Graduating Seniors for Completion/Grades (Independent Study/Griggs/LSU/Transfer Credits/Incompletes/Changed/Deferred Grades, etc.)
April 3 Preliminary Graduation lists for printing
April 6 Honors Convocation
April 10 Tentative Graduation List to Department Chairs and Academic Deans
April 21 Final Graduation List for Printing
April 30 – May 3 Final Exams
May 10- 12 Pinning Services
May 12 – Consecration Service
May 13 – Commencement (Von Braun Center, 8:00pm)
Important Documents
Ordering Regalia
Students should order their graduation regalia online HERE. Please do not change the address as your cap and gown will be delivered to the bookstore. You will be able to purchase extra tassels (if you are a dual degree recipient), diploma frames, etc.
Please note after ordering your cap and gown, you must visit the Office of Student Accounts to make your graduation fee payment of $371.00. The deadline for this payment is April 1.
Invitations may be purchased online, HERE, at an additional cost.
Parents and Guests
FAQ
When is Commencement?
Commencement is Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Are masks required?
No, mask are optional.
Where will Commencement be held?
Commencement will be held at the Von Braun Civic Center.
Are tickets required for graduates or guests?
No.
Will there be a rehearsal for the graduates?
Yes. Rehearsal is held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 11a at the Oakwood University Church.
When and where do I go for the processional line-up?
Due to adjusted protocols there will not be a procession. Graduates will check in at Von Braun Civic Center at East Hall 2.
Where can I leave my belongings during the Commencement ceremony?
Please be aware that Oakwood University is unable to provide storage space to hold candidates’ personal belongings on the day of Commencement. Please only bring your cap, gown and tassel.
Will I be recognized individually at Commencement?
All graduation candidates will process across the stage to be recognized individually. Actual diplomas will be mailed at a later date.
Will my name be in the Commencement Program?
The program will list the names of all students who have completed the degree application and been approved for graduation by April 1. The Commencement Program is sent to the printer several weeks prior to the ceremony, and changes to the program will not be accepted after that time.
Will my picture be taken at Commencement?
Yes. Oakwood University has contracted with an independent photography company (LifeTouch) that will take pictures of graduates as they receive their diploma covers. Following graduation, graduates will receive information directly from LifeTouch about the option to purchase photos. Photos will be online at www.events.lifetouch.com one week after the ceremony.
Which side do I wear my tassel on?
Before graduating, your tassel should be placed on your right. After all graduates are individually recognized, you will be instructed to move your tassel to the left.
Are there any special accommodations for guest?
Graduates attending the Commencement Ceremony who need special accommodations should contact the Registrar Office at (256) 726-7353 or registrar@oakwood.edu by May 11, 2023. Individuals needing special parking and seating accommodations, should plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to commencement as this space is limited. (Add VonBraun Civic center info)
What are the Driving Directions and where should I park?
Visit the Von Braun Center (VBC) website for driving directions, http://www.vonbrauncenter.com/. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the VBC (Nominal fees of: City Parking Deck $5-Across from the VBC; South Hall Parking $10.00;and North Hall Parking $10.00).
What are diplomas mailed?
Diplomas will be mailed out on June 30th. Please call the Registrar’s office for more information.
Approved Academic Honors
Students graduating with university-wide and academic honors who are members of the following organizations may wear the cords, ribbons, etc., described below, on their robes at Commencement:
| Approved Honors | Description |
| Honor Cords |
Gold Cords: 3-Summa Cum Laude; 2-Magna CumLaude; 1-Cum Laude |
| Honor Medallions | White, Blue, Green and Gold Ribbons |
| Academic Departments | Medallions and Cords |
| Officers Cords | TBD |
| Presidential Medallions | Blue Ribbon |
| Alpha Chi National University Honor Scholarship Society | Navy Blue and Green Cords |
| Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) National Biological HonorSociety | Green and Red Cords |
| Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society | Gold and Purple Cords |
| Kappa Delta Pi | – |
| Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International | Purple and Gold Cords |
| Phi Alpha National Honor Society | – |
| The Official Class Kente Shawl | – |
Questions
Who can I contact if I have questions about Commencement?
If you have additional questions about Commencement that have not been addressed on this page, feel free to e-mail the Registrar’s Office (registrar@oakwood.edu).
Cunningham Hall
Phone: (256) 726-7353
Fax: (256) 726-7199
Email: registrar@oakwood.edu
Important Info
Booklets
