ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio University will recognize the academic achievements of its Spring 2026 graduates during commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 1–2 at the Convocation Center on the Athens campus.
Graduates from all colleges and degree programs will be honored across three ceremonies, beginning with the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m. Two Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will follow on Saturday, May 2, with the first ceremony at 9 a.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m.
The 9 a.m. undergraduate ceremony will celebrate graduates from the following colleges:
- College of Business
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Honors Tutorial College
- University College
The 2:30 p.m. undergraduate ceremony will celebrate graduates from the following colleges:
- College of Health Sciences and Professions
- College of Engineering and Technology
- Scripps College of Communication
- College of Fine Arts
- Patton College of Education
OHIO will welcome distinguished alumnus, entrepreneur and private astronaut Larry Connor back to campus as the keynote speaker for its May 2026 commencement ceremonies. Connor will also be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during Friday’s Graduate Ceremony in recognition of his leadership in business, nonprofit work and exploration.
All ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Center and are open to guests. Tickets are not required. Doors will open 60 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all graduates and their families, we ask that guests from the morning ceremony depart campus promptly to help accommodate arrival and seating for the afternoon ceremony.
With thousands of graduates and guests expected to visit Athens for commencement weekend, University officials encourage families and visitors to plan travel and lodging accommodations well in advance.
Additional Commencement Information
Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Information regarding parking, accessibility accommodations, ceremony logistics and additional commencement resources for Spring 2026 is available at https://www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/commencement.
Media RSVP
Per standard practice, a ceremonial gown, which would be provided by the University at no cost, is required attire for any media who choose to cover the event from the floor of the Convocation Center. Media interested in covering or photographing any of the commencement ceremonies from the floor of the Convocation Center must RSVP to media@ohio.edu by noon on Thursday, April 30, to ensure a gown reservation.
Note: Media planning to report or publicly attend the event from the Convocation Center seating area above the floor are not required to wear a gown or submit an RSVP.
###
Contact: Samantha Pelham Kunz, public relations and communications strategist, at pelham@ohio.edu.
