Doctoral Hooding Ceremony Information

Doctoral candidates are invited to attend the Bowling Green State University Hooding Ceremony, which allows for doctoral graduates to be recognized with a more personalized and expanded graduation experience. 

This smaller, more intimate event will allow for additional, higher-quality photo opportunities with faculty advisors, deans and University leadership; and additional time to highlight research, as compared to the full undergraduate and graduate Commencement. Learn about our spring 2023 hooding ceremony.

This hooding ceremony is in addition to BGSU Commencement, which will take place Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m at the Stroh Center. Doctoral candidates have the option to attend Commencement exercises, either in addition to or as a replacement for the hooding ceremony. Doctoral candidates will not be hooded at Commencement but will have the opportunity to cross the stage.

Spring 2024 Ceremony Details

During this event, there will be an official procession for doctoral candidates and faculty advisors, formal remarks by University leadership and the reading of each doctoral candidate's name and dissertation title. Upon the reading of your name, you will cross the stage and be officially hooded, with photo opportunities to commemorate the moment.

• Arrival time and location - Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and graduates should arrive by 3 p.m. in academic regalia and report to the Wolfe Center. Check in with Alexia Coffman, senior administrative assistant, and she will direct you to line up in the appropriate order by college with your faculty advisor.
• Processional - Graduates will enter Donnell Theatre at approximately 3:30 p.m. Staff will direct movement throughout the ceremony.
• Guests - Graduates are permitted up to five (5) guests. Doors open one hour prior to the ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available on the first and second levels.
• Tickets - Graduates who RSVP will receive five (5) printed guest tickets, which will available to pick up the week of April 22. The Graduate College will share additional information regarding ticket pick up location and times. Tickets are required for entry, and no additional tickets will be provided.
• Parking - Free parking will be available in the lots surrounding the Wolfe Center. Handicap parking will be available and a state-issued disability placard or state-issued disability plate is required
• Livestream - For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed at BGSU.edu/commencement and BGSU YouTube.
• Photography - University photographers will capture graduate photos with faculty advisors, deans and University leadership. A link to the photos will be sent to each graduate following the ceremony.
  
• Reception - Following the ceremony, there will be a special reception for graduates and their guests in the Wolfe Center.

If you have questions please reach out to Ann Neely, manager of presidential and signature events, at alinenk@bgsu.edu or 419-372-2240.

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, access@bgsu.edu, 419-372-8495. Please notify us prior to the event.