There comes a point in every young bird’s life when it must leave the nest. More than 2,500 Falcons are doing just that during the university’s 312th commencement, set for May 2–3.
The university will award a total of 1,904 bachelor’s degrees, 493 master’s degrees, 38 doctoral degrees and 98 associate’s degrees during Commencement Weekend, and 1,084 students will graduate with honors.
Falcon Media has all the details you need to know to prepare for commencement:
Where do the ceremonies take place?
All ceremonies will be held at the Stroh Center, located at 1535 E. Wooster St. Free parking for graduates and guests is available in the lots surrounding the Stroh Center.
How many ceremonies will there be, and how are they organized?
There will be four ceremonies:
- Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m.: Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Ceremony for doctoral and master’s degree candidates.
- Saturday, May 3 at 9 a.m.: Bachelor’s and associate’s degree candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences and Firelands College.
- Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m.: Bachelor’s degree candidates from the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.
- Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m.: Bachelor’s degree candidates from the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business, the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Musical Arts.
How long will each ceremony last?
While exact durations vary, each BGSU commencement ceremony typically lasts about two hours.
How many tickets does each student receive, and can they request more?
Each graduating student receives six electronic tickets. Students may request extra tickets from peers who do not need all six of their tickets, but the university will not distribute additional tickets. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Can guests watch remotely?
Yes. All commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed at BGSU.edu/commencement, as well as on the BGSU YouTube and Facebook pages.
What should I wear?
Graduates should wear complete academic regalia (cap and gown). Business casual attire is recommended underneath, and appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. Flat, comfortable shoes are encouraged. Valuables and personal items should be left with family or guests.
Guests are encouraged, though not required, to dress in business casual attire.
Are graduates and guests required to stay for the entire ceremony?
All graduates and guests are encouraged to remain for the full ceremony out of respect for fellow students and attendees.
When should I arrive, and where do I go? What about my guests?
Graduates must arrive at the Stroh Center no later than 45 minutes before their ceremony begins. You should enter through the Schmidthorst Pavilion entrance on the southwest corner of the Stroh Center, which faces Wooster Street.
Graduates who arrive late may not be seated with their college. Late arrivals should check in at the designated tables, where staff will provide assistance.
Doors open to guests one hour before each ceremony.
All of the information above and more can be found at https://www.bgsu.edu/commencement.html.
