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Graduation 2019

Ohio Dominican University Graduation 🎓

Congratulations, Graduates! We know you're ready to take on the world! ODU Graduation has two parts, and we hope you will join us for both. Baccalaureate takes place as a Mass giving thanks for the blessings of our graduates, and Commencement is the official ceremony where graduates receive their diplomas.

113th Commencement Schedule

Saturday, May 8, 2021

  • 9 a.m. – Baccalaureate Mass
    Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich, OP Theatre (2nd floor of Erskine Hall)
  • 11 a.m. – Commencement
    Panther Stadium 

Commencement will take place in the stadium rain or shine, so we encourage you and your loved ones to prepare accordingly.

Scroll down for helpful guest information for this year's event. To help ensure the health and safety of all who attend the ceremony, social distancing and the wearing of face masks will be required and enforced before, during and following the event. We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation.

 

Ticket & Guest Information

Please note: all attendees, including children, must have previously reserved a guest ticket via our online ticketing page. The names on each ticket must match the individual who shows it at the gate on the day of Commencement. If someone arrives at the stadium without a ticket – or their name is not registered with us – they will not be permitted to enter. All tickets are nontransferable. Thank you.

  • Baccalaureate Mass
    Baccalaureate at Ohio Dominican University takes place as a Mass giving thanks for the blessings of our graduates and of prayers for their continued success in life.
    • Date: Saturday, May 8, 2021
    • Time: 9 a.m.
    • Location: Matesich Theatre, 2nd Floor Erskine Hall
    Advance registration and ticket reservation are not required for Baccalaureate attendance; however, we ask you to please ensure you remain at least six feet away from those outside of your party when seated and that you wear a facemask at all times. Food and beverages are not permitted in the theater.

    Mass includes the traditional Baccalaureate sermon and may include other ceremonies. All graduates are invited to this Mass regardless of religious background. Your presence and participation are welcome and encouraged!

    Although communion is reserved to Catholics in good standing, participation in the Scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and intercessions is considered appropriate and is encouraged.

    Graduates may wear their robes to Baccalaureate.

  • Gates Open

    All three south gates at Panther Stadium will open at 10:15 a.m. and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. As you line up, please be sure to practice social distancing with others in line. You will be required to show your ticket upon entrance, and the name that appears on the ticket must be the same as the individual attending. Commencement will begin promptly at 11 a.m.

  • Commencement Seating
    Seating for Commencement will be available in the home (west) bleachers as well as on the field. All seating will be organized into either pods of four or pods of two. Depending on the size of your party, you will be asked to choose one of those options. This arrangement will allow all members of your party to sit together. To ensure that there is adequate seating for all participants and guests, we ask that you please NOT move chairs. As you enter the stadium, you may choose to sit in the stands or on the field as space allows. Some reserved seating will be marked off for graduates, faculty and other guests.
  • Tickets
    All attendees, including children, must have previously reserved a guest ticket via our online ticketing page. The names on each ticket must match the individual who shows it at the gate on the day of Commencement. If someone arrives at the stadium without a ticket – or their name is not registered with us – they will not be permitted to enter. All tickets are nontransferable.

    How to register for guest tickets:
    • Click here to visit the main ticket reservation page on ohiodominicanpanthers.com.
    • Beneath the “ODU Spectator Policy,” click on the yellow “Athletics” button and select “All Departments.”
    • Find the event labeled “2021 Spring Commencement” and then click on the “Get Tickets” button on the right-hand side of the screen.
    • Under “Ticket Type,” click on “Have a Passcode?” Then enter the graduate’s six-digit code* and click “Apply.”
    • Enter the number of tickets you’re requesting, then click “Checkout.”
    • Enter a name**, email address and phone number for each guest ticket, enter your contact information, then click “Submit Order.”
    • IMPORTANT – Once your guests hit “Submit Order” please have them download their ticket to their phone or have them print it out so they can present it at the gate prior to Commencement. A copy of the ticket also will be emailed to the address provided on the form.
    • REMEMBER – Graduates are limited to FOUR guest tickets only.

    *The graduate's code will be their ODU ID number, minus the three zeroes that appear at the very beginning. For example, if their ID# is 000123456, the ticket access code will be 123456.

    **The names on all guest tickets must match with those individuals who arrive at the gate on the day of Commencement. If someone arrives at the stadium without a ticket – or their name is not registered with ODU – they will not be permitted to enter. All tickets are nontransferable.

    If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@ohiodominican.edu or 614-251-4679.

  • Graduation Day Parking

    General parking on campus for graduation day will be in the GOLD Lot. This is the main parking lot which is accessed from the light at Sunbury Rd and St. Dominican way, and is on the West side of Sunbury Rd.

     
  • Disability Seating

    Wheelchair-accessible seating will be available in the home (west) stands. Please feel free to ask a volunteer for directions or if you have any questions.

  • Photography

    To help ensure that safe social distancing is maintained throughout the event, please remain in your seat at all times, and do not approach the stage to take photos. A professional photographer has been hired and you will be provided photos to consider purchasing following the event. You are welcome to take photos from your seat.

  • Social Distancing & Facemasks
    While Commencement will be taking place outdoors, ODU policy requires that you remain six feet away from all others outside of your party and that you wear a facemask at all times. Refusal to comply with this policy could result in your removal from the stadium.
  • Weather Policy

    Commencement will take place inside Panther Stadium rain or shine. Seating on the field can tend to run about 10 degrees warmer than in the stands, so please dress and prepare accordingly. To ensure that you do not block the view of others in the event of inclement weather, umbrellas will not be permitted inside the stadium. Instead, the university will provide plastic rain ponchos should the need arise. ODU’s gymnasium will serve as a shelter in the event of severe weather.

  • Food & Beverage

    You will be permitted to bring bottled water and light snacks into the stadium. Bottles of water also will be available.

  • Footwear

    Please keep in mind that the artificial field turf in Panther Stadium can be difficult to walk on, so we encourage you to not wear shoes that have high heels that could potentially become caught on the field material. We recommend that you wear flat-bottomed shoes to mitigate any tripping hazard.

  • Alternative Viewing Options
    A livestream of Baccalaureate and Commencement will be available at ohiodominican.edu/Livestream.
  • Bookstore Hours
    If you need any last-minute items or regalia for Commencement, ODU’s Bookstore is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. The Bookstore also will be open on the day of Commencement immediately prior to and following the ceremony.
  • Subconnection Hours

    Subconnection in the Griffin Student Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of Commencement.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Thank you to the Nothing Bundt Cakes Columbus-Gahanna Bakery for their sweet support of ODU’s graduating Panthers!

 

Graduate Information

  • Commencement Rehearsal (Mandatory for Graduates)
    Graduates, save the date for Spring Commencement rehearsal: 
    • Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021
    • Time: 5:15 p.m.
    • Location: Panther Stadium
    Commencement rehearsal is mandatory for graduates participating in the ceremony.
  • How Do I Get My Diploma?
    Diplomas will we mailed to graduates who complete degree requirements, following the end of the fall semester.
  • Graduation Checklist
    • Make sure you have taken, or are taking, all of your required classes and will have all of the required credit hours prior your desired date of graduation in May, August or December. Contact your Academic Advisor or the Registrar’s Office if you would like to review your degree requirements. 
    • Apply to graduate through ODU Online.

      Application deadlines are: 
      May graduates—March 31
      August graduates—August 1
      December graduates—Oct. 31
    • RSVP for the graduation ceremony here whether or not you plan to attend Baccalaureate and/or Commencement. RSVPs are required in order to purchase a cap and gown, walk in either ceremony and to ensure that you will have tickets for commencement. The RSVP deadline to participate in the May 2021 graduation ceremony is April 1, 2021.
    • Contact the Library at (614) 251-4752 to make sure all fines are paid.
    • Contact the Business Office at (614) 251-4550 to make sure all fees/fines are paid.
    • If you borrowed federal loan funds, use your FSA ID to access your complete federal loan history and complete Exit Loan Counseling. 

      Exit Loan Counseling is required by the federal government and will explain your rights and responsibilities concerning repayment of your loans. If you have any questions, contact the Financial Aid Office at (614) 251-4778 or finaid@ohiodominican.edu.
    • Contact  Graduate Admission at (614) 251-4615 to obtain information about graduate programs at Ohio Dominican University.
    • Contact Alumni Relations at (614) 253-3502 to stay connected to ODU after you graduate!
    • Contact the Computer Helpdesk at (614) 253-3633 to back up your H: drive and sign up for Alumni email forwarding. Please note that your e-mail account will be disabled 60 days after graduation unless you sign up for email forwarding.
    • Take the outcomes survey. Recent graduate outcomes data is required by the federal government. We must survey our recent graduates when they graduate plus 3, 6 and 12 months after graduation. Information about job placement and graduate school rates helps the Career Development Center provide high quality career services and allows us to assist students still seeking employment. 
    • Keep the Registrar's Office informed of any changes to your name and address.
  • Questions & Answers from the ODU Bookstore

    How can I purchase regalia?
    Visit the regalia website ohiodominican.shopoakhalli.com. A limited supply of regalia and souvenirs are available from bookstore. Please call or email for store orders.

    Can I still order graduation announcements or class rings?
    Yes, our partners at Balfour are still available for announcement and ring orders at balfour.com.

    Can I still order diploma frames, gifts, or spirit gear?
    Yes, the bookstore website is still open we are processing orders daily.

    Have additional questions? Contact us:

     

Career Outcomes Survey

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from Ohio Dominican University! The Career Development Center, in addition to being a career resource for you now and as an ODU alumni, surveys graduating seniors regarding job placement and graduate school plans. ODU publishes aggregate information from these surveys as required by the federal government. Follow-up surveys are sent out three, six and 12 months after graduation. Complete your Career Outcomes Survey by clicking the link below.

Students and recent graduates (Dec. 2019 and May 2020) can still access Handshake with their ODU username and password to make a virtual appointment with a career advisor, as well as search and apply for job opportunities. For additional questions and career support please contact careercenter@ohiodominican.edu or visit ohiodominican.edu/career.

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Career Outcomes Survey