Commencement Week

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Commencement Week is a week long celebration leading up to spring commencement. A series of events will take place June 5-9, 2012 to recognize graduates’ achievements.  All undergraduate, graduate and professional students are encouraged to participate and to invite their family and friends along.

GRADUATING STUDENTS -- ENTER TO WIN EXCLUSIVE TOURS OF CAMPUS!

These EXCLUSIVE tours include an aerial tour of campus by HELICOPTER and a tour of PRESIDENT GEE’S office, all to be held during Commencement Week. To enter, simply submit your contact information below. For more chances to have your name drawn, submit up to 4 different photos of your own Ohio State experience (max of 5 total entries). Selected photos will be featured at the Commencement Eve Candlelight Ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 9. All undergraduate, graduate, and professional students graduating any quarter of the 2011-2012 academic year are eligible to enter. 10 students will be randomly drawn for the helicopter tours, and 3 will be drawn for the tour of Dr. Gee’s office. Submissions can be accepted until Thursday, May 31.

2010 Event Photos

Ohio Union from Helicopter
Graduation Cap
O-H-I-O

To view more photos, go to http://www.ohiounionphotos.org/

Tues., June 5       Wed., June 6       Thurs., June 7       Fri., June 8        Sat., June 9          
 
The 2012 Commencement Week committee is in the process of planning this year's events. Please check back at this site frequently for updates on the events as they are confirmed.  In the meantime, please contact us with questions using the information on the "Contact" tab above.
In the days leading up to commencement, shout out to graduating students with C-Week Speak...
Graduating students, celebrate the end of finals with the Class of 2012 by sharing your parting thoughts on the screens in the Ohio Union. Participation is easy, if you are a Twitter user, simply use the hash tag #OSUGrad12 and your messages will appear on the screens. Don't tweet? No worries! Text @wif60500 + your message to 87884. So grab a computer or phone and tweet and text away.
 
Tuesday, June 5
Things You Never Got to See Tour – Various Times & Locations
Are there places on campus you have always heard about, but never had the chance to find? Well now is your chance!  In the coming weeks, we will list special tour stops that will be available for you to see on a limited basis.  Past limited tour stops have included Ohio Stadium, the Orton Bell Tower, the underground steam tunnels, and the lower level of the Schottenstein Center.  Check back often for updates!
Confirmed for 2012:
  • Underground Steam Tunnels (2:30-4:30pm) - OSU has miles of underground tunnels that connect the university's heating, cooling, and telecommunications...but have  you ever wanted to see what they look like and how they work?  Visit the RPAC Sport Shop on the ground floor for a unique opportunity to get a short guided tour.  Available June 5, 6, and 7 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm each day.
 
Most of the locations on the "Things You Never Got to See Tour" are self-guided and can be visited as your own schedule permits. Other locations have limited hours, so please note that in each description. There is no RSVP necessary to participate. Visit the tour page for complete details on all the stops.
 
 
Wednesday, June 6
Things You Never Got to See Tour – Various Times & Locations
Are there places on campus you have always heard about, but never had the chance to find? Well now is your chance!  In the coming weeks, we will list special tour stops that will be available for you to see on a limited basis.  Past limited tour stops have included Ohio Stadium, the Orton Bell Tower, the underground steam tunnels, and the lower level of the Schottenstein Center.  Check back often for updates!
Most of the locations on the "Things You Never Got to See Tour" are self-guided and can be visited as your own schedule permits. Other locations have limited hours, so please note that in each description. There is no RSVP necessary to participate. Visit the tour page for complete details on all the stops.
Confirmed for 2012:
  • Underground Steam Tunnels (2:30-4:30pm) - OSU has miles of underground tunnels that connect the university's heating, cooling, and telecommunications...but have  you ever wanted to see what they look like and how they work?  Visit the RPAC Sport Shop on the ground floor for a unique opportunity to get a short guided tour.  Available June 5, 6, and 7 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm each day. 
 
Grad Cap Craft Night - Ohio Union Lower Level, 6-8pm
Cap off your Ohio State experience with us by decorating your graduation cap! Grab your mortar board and some friends and join the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) for a night of fun and decorating. Individualize your cap and stand out in the crowd so your family can spot you. Not graduating? Join us in making cards for graduates.
 
Thursday, June 7
Things You Never Got to See Tour – Various Times & Locations
Are there places on campus you have always heard about, but never had the chance to find? Well now is your chance!  In the coming weeks, we will list special tour stops that will be available for you to see on a limited basis.  Past limited tour stops have included Ohio Stadium, the Orton Bell Tower, the underground steam tunnels, and the lower level of the Schottenstein Center.  Check back often for updates!
Confirmed for 2012:
  • Underground Steam Tunnels (2:30-4:30pm) - OSU has miles of underground tunnels that connect the university's heating, cooling, and telecommunications...but have  you ever wanted to see what they look like and how they work?  Visit the RPAC Sport Shop on the ground floor for a unique opportunity to get a short guided tour.  Available June 5, 6, and 7 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm each day.
Most of the locations on the "Things You Never Got to See Tour" are self-guided and can be visited as your own schedule permits. Other locations have limited hours, so please note that in each description. There is no RSVP necessary to participate. Visit the tour page for complete details on all the stops.
 
Friday, June 8
Time and Change Tailgate - South Lawn of St. John Arena, following Commencement Rehearsal 
Come enjoy food, music, and door prizes immediately following Commencement Rehearsal at the South Lawn of St. John Arena. Kick back and relax with the Class of 2012 and the Alumni Association as you celebrate your time at Ohio State with friends and prepare for the change to come!
 
Things You Never Got to See Tour – Various Times & Locations
Are there places on campus you have always heard about, but never had the chance to find? Well now is your chance!  In the coming weeks, we will list special tour stops that will be available for you to see on a limited basis.  Past limited tour stops have included Ohio Stadium, the Orton Bell Tower, the underground steam tunnels, and the lower level of the Schottenstein Center.  Check back often for updates!
Most of the locations on the "Things You Never Got to See Tour" are self-guided and can be visited as your own schedule permits. Other locations have limited hours, so please note that in each description. There is no RSVP necessary to participate. Visit the tour page for complete details on all the stops.
 
American Indian/Indigenous Graduation Celebration – Ohio Union Multicultural Center Meeting Room, 5:30pm
This event celebrates all American Indian/Indigenous students who have graduated from summer to spring. Students receive stoles. Family and friends are welcome to join the celebration. Graduating students should contact Candi Krisch at krisch.1@osu.edu or 614-688-8449 with RSVP. Your RSVP should include whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student who is graduating and how many people you will be bringing to the celebration. See you there!
 
Latino Graduation -- Ohio Union West Ballroom, 6:00-8:30pm
The Ohio State University Multicultural Center annually hosts the Latino Graduation Ceremony.  During this intimate ceremony we will be recognizing the accomplishments of the Ohio State Latina/o graduates.  We invite family members, university staff and faculty, community and student leaders to attend this celebration each year.  Contact Indra Leyva at leyva-santiago.1@osu.edu for more information.
 
 
Saturday, June 9
Ohio Stadium Tours, 12:00-6:00pm
Don't miss this opportunity to tour Ohio Stadium with your family and friends!  Enter through the North Rotunda and explore the Horseshoe, including the Marching Band Center, press boxes, and locker room areas.  Pose with our photographer for a family photo at the Stadium and have it printed on the spot!
 
African American Farewell Celebration – Ohio Union Archie Griffin Grand Ballrooms, 2:00-4:30pm
The AAFC celebrates the great achievements students of African descent accomplish, despite many challenges, throughout their matriculation at Ohio State.  The NPHC, the Frank W. Hale, Jr. Black Cultural Center/ODI and Multicultural Center annually sponsor the Annual African American Farewell Celebration to acknowledge and to celebrate those students who will be graduating Spring or Summer, or who have graduated in the previous Fall term, through a personalized graduation ceremony.  For more information, please contact: Tyler Young at young.1729@osu.edu, Anna-Stacia Allen at allen.1033@osu.edu, Habiba Kamagate at kamagate.1@osu.edu or Katherine Betts at betts.128@ osu.edu.
 
Commencement Eve Candlelight Ceremony - Oval in front of Thompson Library, 9pm

On the night before Commencement, all graduating students are invited to congregate in front of the Thompson Library on the Oval for a very special candlelight ceremony. Hear from some of your favorite campus celebrities, including a student chosen through an audition process to deliver a Commencement Eve address, and receive your class pin, available exclusively at this event. Share one of the most powerful experiences with your fellow Buckeyes – a candlelight rendition of Carmen Ohio on the Oval, and reflect on your journey at Ohio State.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom in the Ohio Union.
 

Sunday, June 10
Commencement - Ohio Stadium, 12pm
For complete details about the Commencement Ceremony, including information for graduates, family members, and guests, please go to http://commencement.osu.edu.
 
Special Messages

Alumni Association

Though your time as a student at Ohio State is winding down, your life as a Buckeye is going strong. No matter where you go, your Ohio State family will be there for you. The Ohio State Alumni Association hopes that you will continue to stay connected through our Alumni Clubs and Societies. And if you’re looking for some fun activities and ways to stay connected to campus, check out one of our young alumni programs. Congratulations on your graduation and we hope that you’ll stay connected and make Ohio State stronger.

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