Graduation Information for Students and Guests

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, you must apply for graduation through BannerWeb. Eligibility, Graduation Requirements, and Diploma Dates are all available here. Contact or visit the campus bookstore for your cap/gown purchase.

Ceremony Information

Arrive at the practice arena no later than 3:30pm. All undergraduate and master's degree candidates will have their name read as they walk across the stage. A reception, in the practice arena, will immediately follow the ceremony.

Tassels

Graduates from the College of Engineering and Computing should use an orange tassel. This tassel comes with a signet indicating your graduation year. For more information on ordering tassels, visit the Miami University Official Bookstore website.

(Note: The tassel goes on the LEFT side of your mortarboard. Tassels are moved from the right side to the left at the university ceremony earlier on Saturday). 

Bringing Guests

This event is free for guests. No tickets or RSVPs are required, and there is no limit to how many guests you can invite. Your guests are welcome at both the ceremony and the reception.

Food and Drink

Concessions are not available at the ceremony. There are vending machines located on the lower level of Goggin by the skate shop. There will also be a reception for the graduates and their guests immediately following the ceremony. At the reception, light refreshments will be served.

Personal Items

Do not take purses, bags, or other personal items with you into the arena for the ceremony. The ceremony process often requires participants to be seated in a different area/seat after they receive their diploma. This means you won’t be able to retrieve your personal belongings left at your original seat until after the ceremony. For your convenience, you may wish to use the lockers provided near the vending area at Goggin. The vending area is located near the skate shop on the lower level of Goggin, just outside the doors to the practice arena. There is a fifty-cent fee for each use.

Don’t forget to enter the Graduation Cap Decorating Contest!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Below is information you will need to know.

Ceremony Information

Doors open at 2:30pm. All undergraduate and master's degree candidates will have their name read as they walk across the stage. A reception, in the practice arena, will immediately follow the ceremony.

Family and friends are welcome at both the ceremony and the reception. No tickets or RSVPs are required for either event, and there is no limit to how many guests can attend.

Food and Drink

Concessions are not available at the ceremony. There are vending machines located on the lower level of Goggin by the skate shop. There will also be a reception for the graduates and their guests immediately following the ceremony. At the reception, light refreshments will be served.

Flowers

The Commencement Group will bring flowers, graduation beads, and teddy bears to all 2024 Commencement and Recognition ceremonies. They will be at Goggin for the CEC recognition ceremony.  

To pre-order flowers for your graduate, visit:  https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/miamiuniversity/

Thank you for participating in this year’s celebration and supporting our graduates! Below is information you will need to know.

Academic Attire

The CEC Dean’s Office will pay for the rental of academic attire for faculty and staff who wish to participate in the CEC Recognition Ceremony and do not have their own attire. Email Barnes11@MiamiOH.edu to order.

Timeline for Faculty and Staff

Know where to be (and when!) with the timeline below.

2:30 p.m. Goggin doors open. (Bag check required)
3:15 p.m.  Faculty Marshals, Name Card distributors to be in the Practice Arena
3:30 p.m.  All faculty who are walking in the Processional should arrive in the Practice Arena
3:45 p.m.  Marshals and faculty facilitate the line-up of students
4:00 p.m.  Ceremony begins
5:30 p.m. (approx)  Ceremony ends. Reception follows immediately in the Practice Arena

For more information, please contact Meg Sanders at 513-529-4552 or email Barnes11@MiamiOH.edu.

Miami University is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable commencement experience. If you need disability-related accommodations please contact the Miller Center by phone at 513-529-1541, TTY-TDD: 7-1-1 or SDS@MiamiOH.edu. 

American Sign Language interpreters and Real-Time captioning will be provided. Assistive listening devices are also available upon request.

Accessible Parking & Seating

A valid state-issued disability placard is required to park in accessible parking spaces. Goggin Ice Center is wheelchair accessible and ushers are available to assist you to the designated seating area. Accommodations for those who are Deaf/HOH are provided in the form of American Sign Language interpreters and captioning. Please see an usher for the location of the wheelchair accessible seating and the sign language interpreter or if assistance is needed during the ceremony.

If you have further questions regarding disability accommodations, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (513) 528-1541 (V/TTY).  Handicap drop-off locations on Oak Street at the main entrance area.

Academic Attire

Graduates are required to wear academic attire to their graduation ceremony. Caps, gowns, tassels and other graduation items can be purchased in-person and online at the Brick & Ivy Campus Store. Please allow 3-5 Business Days for your order to be processed and note that all purchases are final sale; there are no exchanges or returns.

Visit the Brick & Ivy Campus Store to order or pick up items during regular store hours, Monday through Saturday.

Grad Fest 2024

Graduation Announcements

Flowers for Graduates

University and Latin Honors

Students whose academic record the semester prior to their last semester qualifies them for University Honors and/or Latin Honors may wear these awards as part of their graduation regalia.

Students qualifying for Latin Honors will be notified by email and may wear a red and white Latin Honor cord; students completing the Honors College requirements may wear their Honors Medallion, and students graduating from the Honors College with University Honors with Distinction may wear the gold Distinction cord.

Each degree candidate will receive an email from the Registrar's Office requesting they complete the Diploma Address/Ceremony Attendance Form. Completion of this form ensures the diploma(s) is mailed to the correct address after graduation. To change a diploma mailing address after May 18, 2024, the graduate will need to email commencement@MiamiOH.edu. Diplomas are mailed out 5-7 weeks after the degree conferral date.

This form also asks degree candidates to select "I WILL" or "I WILL NOT" attend - to indicate their expected ceremony attendance for both the university and divisional ceremonies. This greatly assists the university in planning for a commencement.

Even if not planning to attend commencement, this form must be completed.

Miami University now offers Certified Electronic Diplomas (CeDiploma), and the link will be sent to students around the same time the paper diploma is mailed.

Miami University Parking and Transportation Services encourage commencement attendees to utilize Park & Ride locations throughout campus. Lots around Yager Stadium will fill up quickly, and using Park & Ride will allow for quicker egress from Oxford. Disability parking will be available at the West and East Millett lot.

Commencement Parking

Parking for this ceremony will be in the West Millett parking lot as well as other lots nearby.  Traffic and parking will be controlled by MUPD and partnering departments.  If the weather is nice, many guests walk to the ceremony to avoid traffic and congestion.

Disability Parking

The main commencement ceremony at Yager stadium will have a marked disability parking area for those with ADA placards. For the Yager Stadium ceremony, accessible shuttle buses will be in operation from each of the parking lots designated for event parking to assist guests to and from the designated drop-off areas at the northwest entrance of Yager Stadium. Please observe the directional signs - guests will be directed to parking locations based upon availability.

There is accessible parking at all commencement locations. Upon arrival, guests with accessibility needs are encouraged to connect with an usher who can take them to the various accessible seating areas.

Additional information about accessible parking can be found under Accessibility below.

City of Oxford Parking

City of Oxford parking regulations are in effect at all times. This includes parking meters on South Campus Avenue and the Uptown district (High Street, Uptown Parking Garage, and side streets), which must be paid Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Overnight parking at the metered spaces on the streets is prohibited between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

For a complete list of City of Oxford parking regulations, please refer to the City of Oxford's website.

RV spaces in the Milett Lot are sold out for the 2024 commencement. You may still register to bring your RV to the Ditmer lot off of 73 by calling the Miami Athletic Ticket Office at 513-529-4295.  

Information, for those that have secured an RV spot, will be sent via email the first week of May.

RV spaces for the 2025 commencement will go On Sale on Wednesday, January 08 at 10 a.m.

Miami University is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable commencement experience. If disability-related accommodations are needed to facilitate full participation, please contact the Miller Center by phone at 513-529-1541, TTY-TDD: 7-1-1 or SDS@MiamiOH.edu.

Yager Stadium Accessibility

Accessible parking is available in each of the parking lots designated for event parking near Yager Stadium for all ceremonies. A valid state-issued disability placard is required to park in accessible parking spaces. For the University commencement ceremony, accessible shuttle buses will be in operation from each of the parking lots designated for event parking to assist guests to and from the designated drop-off areas at the northwest entrance of Yager Stadium. Please observe the directions on signs approaching event parking areas as guests will be directed to the next available parking location as they fill.

Accessible seating is available on the East Stands and the West sideline of the field. Please connect with an usher upon arrival and they will be able to assist you. Wheelchairs are located at Guest Services for transportation to and from seating areas. Guests sitting in the accessible seating area are permitted one companion to accompany them in the accessible seating area.

Millett Hall Accessibility

Accessible parking is available in the West Millett Lot. A valid state-issued disability placard is required to park in accessible parking spaces. An accessible drop off location is also available on the North side of Millet.

Accessible seating is available on the court level and the upper level, both accessible by elevator. Please connect with an usher upon arrival and they will be able to assist you. Wheelchairs are located at Guest Services for transportation to and from seating areas. Guests sitting in the accessible seating area are permitted one companion to accompany them in the accessible seating area.

Goggin Ice Center Accessibility

Accessible parking is available in the Campus Avenue Parking Garage and alongside Oak Street. A valid state-issued disability placard is required to park in accessible parking spaces.

Accessible seating is available all around the upper level of the arena. Please connect with an usher upon arrival and they will be able to assist you. Wheelchairs are located at Guest Services for transportation to and from seating areas. Guests sitting in the accessible seating area are permitted one companion to accompany them in the accessible seating area.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Access

American Sign Language interpreters and Real-Time captioning will be provided for all ceremonies. Interpreters are best viewed from Section 2 on the west stands as the interpreter stage is located between the 15 and 20 yard line. Live captioning for each ceremony can be viewed on the Jumbotron or accessed on a personal mobile device at:

• MiamiOH.edu/CommencementCaptions for the Class of 2023 ceremony
• MiamiOH.edu/CCAcaptions for the College of Creative Arts ceremony
• MiamiOH.edu/CLAAScaptions for the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science ceremony
• MiamiOH.edu/CECcaptions for the College of Engineering and Computing ceremony
• MiamiOH.edu/CAScaptions for the College of Arts and Science ceremonies
• MiamiOH.edu/EHScaptions for the College of Education, Health and Society ceremony
• MiamiOH.edu/FSBcaptions for the Farmer School of Business ceremony

Personal Mobility Devices

Individuals who would like to rent a personal mobility device (e.g., manual wheelchair, scooter, etc.) for commencement weekend should contact Stateline Medical Equipment at (866) 574-3947 to inquire about the equipment available for pick-up or delivery.

If additional disability-related accommodations are needed to facilitate full participation, please contact us by phone at (513) 529-1541, Ohio-Relay: 7-1-1 or SDS@MiamiOH.edu at least one week prior to the ceremony.

Commencement Food Options by Miami Catering

Housing and Residence Hall Accommodations

Miami University is pleased to make limited residence hall housing available for the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024 for the family and friends of graduating Miamians.

Please note that accommodations are not available on Friday, May 17th due to Miami's promise to students that they can remain in their residence hall rooms during finals week, through Friday evening.

If you are interested in reserving a residence hall room for Saturday, May 18th, reservations can be made online.  https://miamioh.irisregistration.com/Site/grad24

Pack light!  Bring only what you need inside Yager Stadium and ceremony venues - bag checks will be set up at all entrances.

Guests are subject to visual inspection of person, parcels, bags, and clothing capable of concealing prohibited items. Guests may refuse inspections but management reserves the right to refuse entry. Please plan to leave all non-essential items in your locked vehicle and PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY.

Changes in national, regional, and campus security levels may affect security procedures.

Prohibited Items

As a general rule, any items that obstruct the view of other guests or that can be used as projectiles, that interfere with the comfort of other guests, or are deemed inappropriate/hazardous by stadium security are prohibited.

The following items are NOT permitted in the stadium or arena for the ceremonies:

• Alcohol and/or Illegal Drugs
• Coolers
• Opened Drink Containers
• Backpacks
• Metal folding seat cushions
• Seats that clamp onto bleachers
• Clothing with Profane, Inappropriate, or Abusive Language
• Noise Making devices
• Confetti, Streamers, Glitter, Balloons
• Mace or similar substances
• Beverage Containers (Unless Empty)
• Emotional Support Animals
• Smoke and Tobacco Products (Includes "Vaping")
• Signs, sticks or poles
• Weapons of any type

Permitted Items

The following items are permitted in the stadium or arena for the ceremonies:

• Service Animals
• Food (no opened drink containers)
• Cameras
• Video recorders
• Binoculars
• Seat cushions
• "Umbrella"-type strollers
• Umbrellas

Reminders for Graduates

• Students need to arrive at Yager Stadium in their cap and gown by 9:45 am
• No food or drinks can be taken on the field
• Silence phone, please
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
• Ponchos will be provided if it's raining - umbrellas are not permitted on the field

Concessions

Concessions (food and beverage) will be open during the main ceremony (Yager Stadium) on Saturday. Concessions will not be available at the divisional recognition ceremonies on Saturday afternoon and Sunday (at Millett and Goggin).

Tickets

Tickets are not required for any ceremony/recognition event during the weekend.

Gate Opening

Gates open two hours prior to all ceremonies.

Individual Graduate Recognition

The calling of names and walking across the stage takes place at the divisional (college/school) recognition ceremonies. At the main ceremony (Yager Stadium), graduates are recognized as a group by academic division (they are asked to stand by their dean). When a separate doctoral hooding ceremony is not scheduled, doctoral students are individually recognized (hooded) at the main ceremony.

Weather

All ceremonies take place rain or shine. Please watch the forecast and plan accordingly -

• Bring a poncho in case of rain
• It can be hot or chilly so layers are best
• Umbrellas are permitted but please be mindful of those sitting around you
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen 
• We provide ponchos to the graduates if raining

Severe Weather

The main ceremony (Yager Stadium) may be shortened and/or canceled in the event of severe weather such as tornado, severe thunderstorm, torrential downpour, etc. Announcements will be made via radio, posting to the Miami website, social media, and the university text messaging system if the main ceremony is canceled or adjusted. All graduating students will be encouraged to attend their divisional ceremonies as scheduled.

Flowers

Flowers will be available to purchase before the ceremony at Yager Stadium.

To further contribute to a safe and efficient environment for all, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the online pre-order service. Guests who are simply picking up their pre-purchased and reserved products will enjoy a contact-free customer experience.

Thank you for your continued patience as we plan for these ceremonies and provide further information as it is available.

• Commencement—General
  513-529-3612 (Office of the President, squanckm@MiamiOH.edu)
• Academic Attire/Grad Item Purchases
  513-529-2600 (Miami University Brick & Ivy Store, shop@MiamiOH.edu)
• Diplomas, Transcripts, and Eligibility
  513-529-0001 (One Stop, onestop@MiamiOH.edu)
• Student Disability Services
  513-529-1541 (The J. Scott and Susan MacDonald Miller Center for Student Disability Services, sds@MiamiOH.edu)