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Graduation and Commencement

Graduates will indicate if they would like to attend the Commencement ceremony on their graduation application, which is completed through Self Service. If a graduate RSVPs yes on the graduation application, no further action is needed and their request to attend Commencement has been recorded. Any graduates who would like to attend the May Commencement and did not RSVP yes when completing their graduation application can reach out to the Registrar's Office at regis@ashland.edu to update their Commencement attendance.

The online regalia catalog lists the regalia, honor cords and tassels for graduates, including undergraduate tassels, master degree regalia, doctoral degree regalia and the medallions worn at Commencement ceremonies.

Caps/gowns and tassels will be available from the Campus Store beginning March 21, 2024, starting at noon during the graduation fair. All graduates picking up caps, gowns and tassels will need a picture I.D. If someone else is picking them up, they will need written permission from you. There is a $9.95 shipping charge to have your cap/gown sent to your home or work.

On Commencement Day, the Campus Store, located in the Student Center, will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Custom printed announcements, Ashland diploma frames and commemorative rings are also available at the Ashland University Campus Store. Place your order online at www.ashlandbookstore.com.

Graduate Tip: All graduates should complete the Graduation Survey prior to Commencement. Survey invitations will be emailed four weeks prior to graduation. All students who complete the survey will receive 25% off one regularly-priced item at the Campus Store (graduation regalia excluded). Respondents will also be entered into a drawing for alumni and Handshake packages; and one winner will receive a free AU diploma frame.

Graduates are to arrive to the Niss Athletic Center by 9:00 a.m. to lineup. The lineup area will be on the far side of the track, opposite from the main entrance. Faculty volunteers will assist you in lining up according to the degree you are receiving. You will be given a card with your name and honors listed.

At 9:55 a.m. the processional will begin with the platform party proceeding to the stage. The faculty and students will proceed to seating on the field.

The suggested attire for Commencement is business or business casual with special emphasis on comfortable shoes. Graduates will walk the length of the Niss Athletic Center multiple times as well as stand for a length of time. Please keep in mind the majority of seating and walking will be on the artificial turf field, so we encourage you not to wear shoes that have high heels that could potentially become caught on the turf.

Graduate Tip: We recommend that caps and gowns be steamed or pressed with a cool iron prior to the ceremony.

Beverages, snacks and sandwiches will be available to purchase from 9 a.m. to the end of the graduate ceremony. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

If you need to stay overnight, here’s a list of local accommodations.

EagleEye Photography will take photos of each graduate during the ceremony and graduates will be contacted about photos available for purchase. Students may also pre-register for graduation photos. If you have questions, contact EagleEye Photography.

To help you celebrate your graduate's achievement, the Ashland University Honors Program offers roses for Commencement at the pre-ordered price of $30 per dozen. Rose pre-orders are available for purchase online.

Guests attending the ceremony can park in one of several campus lots. Click here to view the Commencement Parking Map.

Students with questions regarding accommodations for a disability, or who will have guests needing accommodations for a disability, should contact the Registrar’s Office at regis@ashland.edu.

The Niss Athletic Center is at ground level and no stairs are required to enter the building or get to the seats on the field. There will be a section of designated seating near the front right of the audience to accommodate those in wheelchairs, but your guests do not need to sit there.

Parking for individuals with disabilities will be available in the Niss Athletic Center parking lot off Moss Hill Drive (see Lot T on the campus map). Guests with state-issued handicap permits should have those displayed, if possible. Lot T availability is limited by the number of available spaces and once the lot is full, guests will be directed to the nearest available parking.

Volunteers will be driving golf-carts around campus prior to and after the event to assist anyone needing a ride to the Niss Athletic Center.

A luncheon to honor all of Ashland’s graduates will be served following the commencement ceremony on the upper level of the Myers Convocation Center on the AU campus.

Each graduate and two guests will receive this special buffet at no charge. For additional guest graduation buffet tickets, there is a $25 charge for adults, a $12 charge for children 12 years old and younger and no charge for children younger than 3 years old. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance by April 24, 2024. Order your tickets online at www.ashland.edu/luncheon.

Call Auxiliary Services with any questions at 419-289-5249.

Diplomas will be mailed beginning four to six weeks after commencement. All accounts with the Business Office, Library, Campus Store and Dean of Students must be cleared before your diploma will be mailed to you. For any questions about your diploma, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Latin honors bestowed on undergraduates and listed in the Commencement program are based solely on Ashland University achievements. These honors will reflect total grade point averages through the fall 2023 semester and will be recalculated for final status on the official transcript.