Commencement Ceremony Information

Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Ceremony

Friday, Aug. 7 | 6:30 p.m.
Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle
Doctoral and master's degree candidates

Undergraduate Ceremonies

Saturday, Aug. 8 | 9 a.m.
Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle
Bachelor’s and associate degree candidates

• Date and location - Summer 2026 Commencement exercises will be held Aug. 7-8, outdoors on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle on the Bowling Green campus. 

• RSVP requirement - All graduates who wish to attend their ceremony must complete the online RSVP. The form is sent to each graduate's BGSU email, and will be shared June 25 and remain open through July 27.

• Ceremony length - Each ceremony should last approximately 2 hours. Out of respect for all graduates, guests and participants are expected to stay until the conclusion of their ceremony.

• Caps and Gowns - Learn more about our caps and gowns policies and guidelines. You can purchase your cap and gown by visiting Falcon Outfitters or you can order online. If you have questions regarding Falcon Outfitters merchandise, call 419-372-2851 or toll free 866-517-9766.

• Program/display deadline - Graduates must be approved for graduation by Registration and Records by July 17, 2026 in order to be included in the printed program and to have their name displayed at the ceremony. After this deadline, a graduate may still be allowed to attend Commencement, cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. The Commencement team cannot guarantee their name will be included in the printed program, or displayed on screen when crossing the stage.

• Guest tickets are not required for entry to the summer ceremonies. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may be seated starting 1 hour prior to the ceremony. 

• General parking - Free parking will be available throughout campus. Please follow all traffic signage and directions from parking staff and police officers. 

• Handicap parking - Handicap parking will be available in lots A and G. Please note that a state-issued disability placard or state-issued disability plate will be required for entry into these lots. Golf cart transportation will be available to those with accessibility needs.

• Accessibility Services - BGSU is committed to an inclusive and equitable Commencement experience. To individuals with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495. Please notify us prior to the event. 

• RSVP form - The RSVP form will capture accessibility needs of graduates and guests. In advance of the ceremony, a member of the Commencement team will reach out to anyone who indicated accessibility needs. If you have any questions, please email commencement@bgsu.edu.

• ASL interpreter - An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will appear on all video screens and broadcasts.

• Arrival time and location - All graduates must arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to their ceremony. Graduates should report to the grass lawn near the Alumni Gateway.

• Pick up your announcer card - Once graduates arrive, they must go to the check-in tables to receive their announcer card. The announcer card includes the graduate’s name. If you are concerned with the pronunciation of your name, please write your name phonetically on your card to help the announcer.

• Find your college area - Volunteers will direct you to the location your college is assembling. Graduates should find their college and line up to prepare to enter the ceremony area.

• Entering the ceremony - Commencement staff will direct movement throughout the ceremony. Graduates will process into the ceremony area approximately 10 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. Staff will direct graduates to their seats.

• Crossing the stage - Commencement staff will direct graduates to the stage at the appropriate time. Graduates should bring their announcer card to the stage. After crossing the stage, graduates must return to their seats.

• Late arrivals - Any graduate who is late may not be able to sit with their college. Graduates arriving late should go to the check-in tables. Event staff will try to assist you.

• Attire and personal items - Graduates should arrive in complete academic regalia (cap and gown). Attire under regalia is business casual. Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. Any valuables or personal items should be left with family members or guests.

• Arrival time - Guests may be seated starting 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

• General parking - Free parking will be available throughout the campus. Please follow all traffic signage and directions from parking staff and police officers.

• Handicap parking - Handicap parking will be available in lots A and G. A state-issued disability placard or state-issued disability plate will be required for entry into these lots. 

• Golf cart assistance - Golf cart transportation will be available for those with mobility issues. Golf cart passengers will be picked up and dropped off at the designated areas.

• Pets - Pets are not permitted. Only service animals will be permitted.