General
When and what time is Commencement 2025?
OCU will hold one Commencement event in 2025; it will happen on our main campus in Circleville, Ohio.
Commencement is a service of recognition and a ceremony of awards. The ceremony will reflect centuries of academic tradition as well as sanctity of worship. Students can participate in one commencement ceremony.
Our Commencement ceremonies on May 3rd, 2025, will be held at 10:30 AM in the Maxwell Center Gymnasium at our Circleville Campus located at 1476 Lancaster Pike Circleville, Ohio 43113.
All our Residential Campus, Trailblazer Academy, and all our Online students (Adult and Graduate Studies students) will participate together in the 10:30 AM Ceremony.
This information is subject to change.
Will there be a graduation practice?
At this time, there will not be a graduation practice. Candidates for graduation are asked to watch their email for instructions and videos that will assist in their understanding of how OCU operates commencement. They are also asked to arrive at OCU the morning of commencement no later than 8:00 am. To check-in, get instructions, pick up any cords earned or purchased, and be ready to file in at 10:30am.
Which ceremony do I attend?
Residential Campus, Trailblazer and all Adult and Graduate Studies students will attend one ceremony at 10:30 am.
Are there any fees associated with graduation?
All Graduates
No, there is no fee to graduate in 2025. Regalia and announcement order costs are the responsibility of the graduate.
Will there be a professional photographer at Commencement?
There will be professional photographers and a videographer at all OCU Commencement Ceremonies. Photographs are taken before, during, and after the ceremony. All ceremonies are recorded and live streamed.
Pictures for our Ohio Commencement Ceremony will be available in an online gallery after commencement. This website will be provided to graduates after Commencement on May 3rd.
These photos are typically available by mid-July. Information will come to your OCU email.
What are the requirements for graduation?
See the Campus & Online Catalog for details concerning graduation on pages 34 - 35.
How do I apply for Graduation?
Students can APPLY for Graduation through SONIS. To begin your application, go to https://sonis.ohiochristian.edu
Go to MENU >> FORMS >> CUSTOM >> INTENT TO GRADUATE FORM
If the PATH is not available to you:
- Traditional Program and AGS students can email commencement@ohiochristian.edu.
- Trailblazer Academy/PSEO students should email Melissa Boggs and commencement@ohiochristian.edu.
Questions? Send an email to commencement@ohiochristian.edu
Graduates are asked to complete their Intent to Graduate Fort (ITGF) as soon as possible. If you are already an alumnus and did not complete the form, please email commencement@ohiochristian.edu so the form can be made available to you again.
Please note, the ITGF will be live from November 2024 until March 27th, 2025.
There are deadlines associated with this form and some may have passed. The commencement team will make you aware of any additional information you need when you complete this form. After March 27th, 2025, you will still need to complete the form, but you will not be permitted to participate in commencement. Anyone who does not complete the form will not receive their diploma until it is completed as it directs the commencement team on many items, most specifically, where to send your diploma.
What does my graduation status mean in SONIS?
All Students
There are three different graduation statuses, On Track, Not on Track and Completed.
Not on Track means that a student is not currently registered in SONIS for all courses required for a degree program.
On Track means that a student is currently registered in SONIS for all course requirements for a degree program.
Completed means that a student has completed all course requirements for a degree program. There may be other pending items on the graduation checklist.
Throughout the remainder of a student's schedule of classes, emails will be sent if their graduation status changes.
In order to participate in the OCU Commencement, students must have a graduation status of On Track or Completed on or before May 2025.
What is the Intent to Graduate Form (ITGF)?
All Students
The Intent to Graduate Form is similar to a graduation application. It lets the University Registrar's Office know if you plan to attend one of our commencement ceremonies, how you would like your name listed on your diploma and in the commencement program. There is other important information gathered from the ITGF.
ITGF form will become available in SONIS after November 6, 2024. The deadline to complete your ITGF is March 27th, 2025. Should you find you are eligible to complete the ITGF after March 27th, you may need to request access to be able to complete your form will be able to access your form. We ask that you complete them as soon as possible. Please see question, "How do I apply for Graduation?" for more information.
The Intent to Graduate Form is located in SONIS in the Student Portal under Forms, then Custom. Unfortunately, there is no physical version of this form.
If you are unable to log into SONIS because you are already marked as Alumni in SONIS or the ITGF is not visible in SONIS, please e-mail commencement@ohiochristian.edu.
Even if you are not participating in a Commencement ceremony, it is still required that you complete the ITGF because of the information gathered from the form will assist us in mailing your diploma, using the correct name on documents, and removing you from (free) ticket counts per student in a timely manner.
What is a conferred degree?
For all students:
A conferred degree and graduation (commencement) are different.
A degree is conferred when a final degree audit is conducted and your transcript is finalized. The conferral date is reflected on your diploma as well as your transcript. Degrees are conferred year round as students complete their degree program.
Graduation is the act of getting a diploma or academic degree in a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are given out. At OCU, this event is known as Commencement.
What is the graduation checklist?
Residential Campus
The graduation checklist is a list of items that will help you prepare to receive your diploma from the University Registrar’s Office. The checklist includes:
- Complete an approved program of study.
- Earn a 2.00 cumulative grade point average or above, or meet the grade point average by your program if it is higher.
- Fulfill Spiritual Formation requirements
- Fulfill Christian Service Requirements
- Complete a graduation audit with the University Registrar's Office
- Complete the Intent to Graduate Form. This form is located in SONIS under the Custom then Forms tabs. This is required for all graduates seeking to receive their diploma.
- Contact Financial Aid Office to review your student account.
- Complete required testing.
- Consider next degree program with OCU. http://www.ohiochristian.edu/online-college/ags-degree-programs
College of Adult and Graduate Studies
The graduation checklist is a list of items that will help you prepare to receive your diploma from the University Registrar’s Office. The checklist includes:
- Ensure that you are scheduled for and complete your degree requirements. Contact your Academic Advisor if you have any questions regarding your schedule. Additional information is included below.
- Earn a 2.00 (3.0 for graduate students) cumulative grade point average or above, or meet the grade point average by your program if it is higher.
- Contact Financial Aid Office to review your student account.
- Complete Intent to Graduate Form - This is located in SONIS under Forms. This is required for all graduates seeking to receive their diploma.
- Pinnacle Honor Society Application - Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science students only - This can be found in myOCU.
- National Spire Honor Society Application - Associate of Arts and Associate of Science students only. This can be found in myOCU.
- Graduation Announcements, as needed
- Consider next degree program with OCU. http://www.ohiochristian.edu/online-college/ags-degree-programs
I've completed all degree requirements and now I can't access SONIS. How can I view my student account?
When a student has completed all degree requirements, they are moved from student to alumni in SONIS. The login process changes slightly when you become a former student.
To access your student account, please follow the instructions explained in our IT Knowledge Base located at https://www.ohiochristian.edu/myocu/blazertech/knowledge-base/understanding-your-ocu-accounts/
Do I have access to SONIS as an alumnus?
All Graduates
Unfortunately, once a student is marked Alumni in SONIS, they no longer have access to the Student Portal. Graduates are asked to complete their Intent to Graduate Form (ITGF) as soon as possible. If you are already an alumnus and did not complete the form, please e-mail commencement@ohiochristian.edu.
Where can I stay if I am traveling from out of town?
There are several hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the Circleville area. More information can be found on Google Maps.
** Circleville does not have Ubers, Lyft, ect.
What if I am not participating in Commencement?
All Graduates
If you do not plan to attend Commencement, the University Registrar's Office will send your diploma by mail 8-10 weeks after your final grade is posted. You will also need to be in good standing with financial aid before your diploma is able to be mailed. If there is a balance due hold on your SONIS account, the registrar is not permitted to mail your diploma until that hold is removed. Only the Finance Office has access to your financial records.
If you move, please email registrar@ohiochristian.edu as soon as you can so we can mail your diploma to the correct address.
You should still complete the Intent to Graduate Form. Please refer to the question, "How do I apply for graduation?" for further details.
Attire
What should I wear to commencement?
PROPER ATTIRE FOR COMMENCEMENT
Commencement is foremost a formal event. As such, men should wear light or whit business/button-up shirts preferably with a tie. Dark trousers are also preferred. No shorts, cargo pants or sports/lounge wear. Do not wear denim in any color. Dark socks and dress shoes are preferred. Dark non-descript shoes with no logos, patterns or multiple colors are permitted. No flip flops or shoes that smack the feet while walking, nor croc style shoes, please.
Women should wear dark clothing. Dresses are permitted; sleeves are preferred. No string or strap style dresses or blouses without a sweater or shrug worn over them during commencement. No slip-on sandals (or shoes without a back sling) or flip flops that smack the feet while walking.
Caps are to be worn with mortarboards level and tassels draped by the right temples. Gowns should be well up on the shoulders and back. Please allow your gown to hang for several days before graduation to allow the wrinkles to fall out. Consider steaming the gown if possible.
We ask that students refrain from decorating their caps or wearing cords or stoles that are not awarded by Ohio Christian University.
Where do I purchase a cap and gown?
INFORMATION ON PROCESS FOR ORDERING COMING SOON.
Caps and gowns should be ordered from Jostens.
Associate of Arts gowns and caps are solid black with a blue and white tassel.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science gowns and caps are black and blue with blue and white tassels.
Master's gowns and caps are black with blue and white tassels. Business students should receive a drab (tan) hood with their cap and gown. Ministry students should receive a white hood with their cap and gown. Education students should receive a blue hood with their cap and gown.
Students are responsible for ordering their caps and gowns. OCU cannot be accountable for caps and gowns on the day of commencement. It is requested that students do not decorate their mortarboards or wear additional stoles during commencement.
To maintain uniformity, we ask that students purchase or borrow regalia from someone who has bought their regalia from our Jostens store previously. Students who are borrowing regalia from someone may need to order specific parts of the regalia outfit (tassels/charms/caps). Please let us know if this is you before the regalia order deadline so we can make sure we can order extras.
What is the deadline to order regalia?
Students are responsible to order their caps and gowns. Ohio Christian University CIRCLEVILLE, OH | Jostens
The deadline to have it shipped to campus has passed.
The deadline to have it shipped to your home or an alternate address is March 27th, 2025.
To maintain uniformity, we ask that students purchase or borrow regalia from someone who has bought their regalia from Jostens store previously. If you choose to use an alternate supplier, you should use Jostens regalia photos to compare before purchasing. We do not recommend this option, however, if you purchase or borrow regalia other than directly from Jostens, you still need to notify the commencement team that you have secured regalia. This way they are aware you are correctly prepared for commencement. You should send this notification to commencement@ohiochristian.edu.
The Registrar's office does sell tassels, caps and zipper pulls. We have a limited number for each sale. Each item is $10 each and will finish out your regalia appropriately for commencement. The tassel and the cap are required. The zipper pull is recommended. Once these items are all sold out, we do not anticipate ordering more before commencement. If we have some left, they will be available the day of commencement. Once those are gone, again, there will be no more available. Please secure these items as soon as possible.
To purchase these items, we take cash, checks and debit/credit cards. Just stop by the registrar's office or send an email to commencement@ohiochristian.edu.
Can I decorate my cap (mortarboard)?
It is respectfully requested that students do not decorate their mortarboards (caps) for the commencement ceremony.
All caps (mortarboards) and gowns must be Ohio Christian University-approved for all commencement ceremonies.
All stoles, cords, and medallions must be from organizations or honors officially recognized by Ohio Christian University.
Where can I purchase graduation announcements?
All Graduates
Graduation announcements are available through Connections, the OCU Bookstore. Graduates may also order announcements through Jostens. There is an additional fee for graduation announcements.
What is the Blue Cord Campaign?
All Graduates
As a graduate, you will have an opportunity to be a part of our Blue Cord Campaign.
OCU’s Blue Cord Campaign creates ongoing support of the scholarship fund and fosters the Alumni Association. Legacy scholarship contributions will help the university continue preparing legacy students for leadership in their careers and service to the Church and society.
More information can be found at http://www.ohiochristian.edu/blue
Is there any special recognition for veterans or current members of the Armed Forces?
All Graduates
Yes. Ohio Christian University is a military friendly school. All current and former military members will be given a red, white, and blue cord to wear at commencement. You will pick this cord up during graduate check-in or mailed in your diploma packet if you do not attend commencement.
Diploma and Honors
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
All Graduates
Commencement participants will not receive their diploma at the commencement ceremony. Learners complete requirements year round and diplomas are mailed with unofficial degree conferred transcript.
When will I receive my diploma?
All Graduates
- If you completed your program requirements earlier in the school year, you may have already received your diploma and final transcript.
- Diplomas are processed within 2-4 weeks of degree conferral. After processing, diplomas are delivered within 8-10 weeks. This means a diploma will be delivered 10-12 weeks from the date of conferral.
- Diplomas are mailed to address indicated on the Intent to Graduate Form. if your address changes after submitting your ITGF, please email registrar@ohiochristian.edu with your updated address.
- Diplomas cannot be sent while there is an outstanding financial obligation to the University. If a student has an outstanding balance, they must rectify it before their diploma will be sent. Once rectified, the University Registrar's Office will be notified by the Financial Aid office and will process your diploma accordingly.
- If you complete all requirements by graduation time, your diploma will be mailed to you following the graduation ceremony. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks because of the large number of graduates who are finishing at that time.
- All of this is subject to change.
What size is my diploma?
All Graduates
Undergraduate students will receive a diploma that is 8.5" x 11". Diplomas are mailed with a diploma cover before commencement when a student is not participating in commencement. If you participate in commencement, you will receive your diploma cover as you walk across the stage. Your diploma will be mailed once all degree requirements and financial obligations to the University have been met.
Diploma frames are available for purchase through the Connections Bookstore.
What will be on my diploma?
All Graduates
The conferral statement ("Ohio Christian University ... has conferred, etc.")
- Your full name, written as you specify on your Intent to Graduate Form.
- The name of your degree: Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Arts
- Majors and other degree components are not listed on the diploma. These items are recorded on your official transcript.
- The official signatures
What name will be placed on my diploma?
All Graduates
The name on your diploma is obtained from the Intent to Graduate Form. This is also how your name will show in the commencement program.
Titles are not included on the diploma. Ohio Christian University reserves the right to remove any titles for the diploma and commencement program.
My diploma has been lost/damaged/stolen. Can I get a new one?
All Graduates
Yes, you can request a new diploma through the University Registrar’s office. You can email them at registrar@ohiochristian.edu. There is a form to complete and a replacement fee of $25.
Can I still receive my diploma if I am moving on to the Bachelor or Graduate programs?
College of Adult and Graduate Studies
Yes, the diploma shows completion of the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts program requirements.
How do I request an official copy of my conferred transcript?
All Graduates
Official transcripts can be requested through one of our third-party encryption services. Once you order it through either StudnetClearingHouse.org OR Parchement.com, it takes approximately 2-3 business days for your order to be fulfilled. More information is located at the University Registrar’s Office. More information is located at https://www.ohiochristian.edu/myocu/transcript-request
What Academic Honors are available for students?
Requirements
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for Academic Honors requirements.
Residential Students: Click Here There may be additional departmental honor societies for residential students. Please contact your Academic Advisor for more information.
College of Adult and Graduate Studies Students: Click Here
Honor Cords
Recipients of Academic Honors must have successfully completed all Bachelor degree course work before receiving their honors cords. Students who are regular Bachelor graduates and who have completed their Bachelor degree requirements prior to Commencement will be presented their cords at graduation. While summer graduates are eligible to receive honors, they will not be recognized at the Commencement ceremony. Honors cords for summer graduates will be received with their diploma.
Does Ohio Christian University induct students into any honor societies?
Residential Campus
Please contact your Academic Advisor for more information about honor societies. If you are unsure who your Academic Advisor is, log in to SONIS or visit the University Registrar's Office or visit the Academic Advisor page (requires login).
School of Online Learning
Bachelor students may qualify for membership in the Pinnacle Honor Society.
Students apply for membership in the spring of each year. Membership is limited by the national society rules, so the top students who apply will be selected. To qualify for membership students should:
- Be a graduating senior of the current graduating year
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Have been involved in at least three campus, community, or church ministries
- Demonstrate leadership, persistence, and future promise
- Maintain the highest ethical standards
- Submit resume
To apply, please visit Pinnacle Honor Society Application Inductees will be selected and notified in April 2022.
Associate students qualify for membership in the National Spire Honor Society. Students apply for membership in the spring of each year. Membership is limited by the national society rules, so the top students who apply will be selected. To qualify for membership students should:
- Be a graduating sophomore of the current graduating year
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Have been involved in at least three campus, community, or church ministries
- Demonstrate leadership, persistence, and future promise
- Maintain the highest ethical standards
- Submit resume
To apply, please visit Spire Honor Society Application Inductees are selected and notified in April 2024.
How do I know if I am eligible to receive Academic Honors?
For our students pursuing a bachelor's degree, academic excellence is promoted within the student body. A concerted effort is made to encourage students to succeed in their scholastic work and to experience affirmation in their college careers. Students who have earned at least 60 credit hours in residency in course work which assign letter grades that affect the student’s cumulative GPA must meet the following criteria:
- Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors): cumulative grade point average of 3.90 or above.
- Magna Cum Laude (with high honors): cumulative grade point average of 3.75-3.89.
- Cum Laude (with honors): cumulative grade point average of 3.50-3.74.
These same students who have earned between 40 and 59.9 credit hours in residency in course work which assign letter grades that affect the student’s cumulative GPA must meet the following criteria:
- Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors): cumulative grade point average of 3.95 or above.
- Magna Cum Laude (with high honors): cumulative grade point average of 3.80-3.94.
- Cum Laude (with honors): cumulative grade point average of 3.55-3.79.
Recipients of Academic Honors must have successfully completed all course work before receiving their honors cords. Students who are regular graduates and who have completed their degree requirements prior to Commencement will be presented their cords at graduation.
Please note that Master's students are not eligible for Academic Honors. By tradition, a Master’s degree requires a B average in order to graduate, meaning all Master students would qualify for honors.
Please note that Associate degrees are not eligible for Latin Academic Honors.
Pinnacle Honor Society (AGS) - Fill out the Pinnacle Honor Society Application. Students applying for the Pinnacle Honor Society must be in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Applications must be submitted before March 2024.
Spire Honor Society (AGS) - Fill out the National Spire Honor Society Application. Students applying for the National Pinnacle Honor Society must be in a Associate of Arts program. Applications must be submitted before March 2024.
Tickets
Are tickets required for children?
Ohio Commencement
Children who are 2 years or younger are able to participate with out a ticket as long as they are sitting on someone's lap. If they are unable to sit on someone’s lap, they are required to have a ticket.
I have a guest that needs special seating. Who should I speak with?
All Graduates
If you have a guest that requires special accommodations, please email commencement@ohiochristian.edu no later than two weeks before your commencement ceremony with that information. You may also include this information on your Intent to Graduate Form.
How long does commencement (graduation) last?
Each commencement (graduation) ceremony lasts about 80-90 minutes.
