Frequently Asked Questions

This December, BGSU will host Commencement on the Bowling Green campus on Dec. 8-9, 2023.

Graduates must complete the RSVP form to receive their eight (8) guest tickets. The form will be sent to each graduate’s BGSU email beginning Oct. 9 and will close on Nov. 17. 

Additional ceremony information will be shared on the Commencement website and through BGSU email on Oct. 9.

Caps, gowns and other graduation items are available for purchase online from Falcon Outfitters and in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Items can also be purchased online from Jostens, the exclusive supplier of graduation products for BGSU. Falcon Outfitters also carries graduation merchandise such as personalized announcements, diploma frames and class rings. If you have further questions regarding Falcon Outfitters merchandise or services, please call 419-372-2851 or toll free 866-517-9766.

Upon verification of completion of degree requirements, a notification to claim a digital version of the diploma will be sent to the graduate’s BGSU email within 1-3 weeks after commencement.  Printed diplomas will be sent to each graduate approximately 3-6 weeks following commencement. Transcripts will not be available until 3 weeks after Commencement, provided you have completed all degree requirements. Graduates who do not attend the ceremony will be mailed a diploma cover within 2-4 weeks of the Commencement ceremony (separate from the diploma mailing).

Each degree candidate is confirmed by the candidate’s academic college. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all degree requirements are fulfilled via their MyBGSU degree audit. Colleges may communicate via BGSU email regarding outstanding requirements that would delay the confirmation of a degree.

Please direct diploma questions to graduation@bgsu.edu or the Office of Registration and Records at 419-372-8441.

Based on undergraduate coursework, students earning a gold honors cord will be notified via their BGSU email and text message.

Main campus undergraduates may pick up their cord at Falcon Outfitters inside the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Firelands undergraduates will have their cord mailed to their home address.

If you have questions about your specific honor, please refer to the BGSU Academic Honors page, or email the Office of Registration and Records at graduation@bgsu.edu and include your BGSU ID.

Family and friends can use the hashtag #BGSUGrad on Instagram or Twitter to share photos, messages and advice for graduates. Your post could be featured on the Commencement website or on screen before the in-person ceremony. Please visit our Share Your Celebration section for more digital fun.