2023 Commencement dates
As we plan for the upcoming commencement weekend, the health and safety of the campus community and guests is our priority. At this time we do not anticipate that tickets will be required for the commencement ceremonies or that there will be a limit on the number of guests. All commencement details are subject to change due to the fluid nature of COVID-19 in our area and its potential impact on our campus community. Any updates will be communicated to graduates via their ONU email and posted to this webpage.
Ohio Northern will hold three in-person commencement ceremonies the weekend of May 20 and 21, 2023. All three ceremonies will take place in the ONU Sports Center Field House.
The College of Law Commencement will take place Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m.
The College of Pharmacy Commencement will take place Sunday, May 21, at 9 a.m.
The Undergraduate/MSA Commencement will take place Sunday, May 21, at 2 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service
Baccalaureate is a long-standing tradition at many colleges and universities, dating back to the Medieval practice of awarding degrees only after a candidate had presented a sermon in the university chapel. At the time, all university students were also members of religious orders, or were training for the priesthood. Out of that tradition grew the practice of celebrating the achievements of graduates in a service of worship, including speeches, sermons, readings and music appropriate to the occasion. This service will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the English Chapel.Order Caps and Gowns, Graduation Announcements
Herff Jones is Ohio Northern University's official supplier of commencement caps and gowns, announcements, thank you notes, envelope seals, announcement covers, class rings, and premium appreciation certificates. All orders must be placed by April 14th, 2023 to allow time for delivery. Orders will be set up for "home delivery" to the address listed on the order form. Please keep that in mind when placing your order.
Information for graduation candidates
Spring Graduates: Complete the online intent-to-graduate survey inside Degreeworks and have it approved by your dean’s office. Applications are due fall semester (you can do this during your advising appointment in October). Students will be approved after the start of spring semester, pending a review of fall grades and spring registration. Please email registrar@onu.edu if you have any questions.Summer and Fall Graduates (Past and Present): There are two ways for summer and fall graduates to participate in a spring commencement ceremony.
Option 1: Apply for graduation and then complete your requirements for graduation at the end of a summer or fall semester. You must not have participated in a prior spring commencement ceremony. Please look for an email containing diploma and commencement information about a month before the end of the term you are graduating in.
Option 2: Be approved to “participate” in spring commencement before all degree requirements have been met. Applications to participate in spring commencement before meeting degree requirements are due to your dean’s office by March 1. Also, complete the online intent-to-graduate survey found in your Degreeworks audit.
Please make sure that you have an accurate address on file (update Self-Service Banner) so that you will receive information regarding your graduation and the commencement ceremony. If you have any questions, please email registrar@onu.edu or call the registrar's office at 419-772-2024.