Sheridan HendrixColumbus Dispatch
School districts across Ohio canceled graduation ceremonies in the spring of 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19. Four years later, some of those students will finally get the chance to have their academic progress publicly recognized when they receive their college diplomas at Ohio State University's spring commencement this weekend.
Read More: From COVID to campus protests: Ohio State's Class of 2024 is prepared for anything
More than 12,000 graduates are set to receive their diplomas on Sunday during the ceremony at Ohio Stadium.
Here's everything you need to know about commencement:
What time is Ohio State's graduation?
The ceremony officially begins at noon, but Ohio Stadium will open to guests at 10 a.m.
Commencement typically lasts between two-and-a-half to three hours.
Where can I watch the Ohio State Spring Commencement 2024?
The university is providing a livestream for guests, families and the curious who cannot attend in person. You can find the live broadcast on the OSU Spring Commencement 2024 webpage or by using the player embedded below.
How many guests are graduates allowed to have?
There are no restrictions on the number of guests graduates are allowed to have inside Ohio Stadium. Tickets are not required for guests.
Will there be security?
Ohio State said "heightened security measures will be in effect throughout commencement ceremonies and events" to ensure guest and graduates' safety.
Guests are asked to enter through specific gates at Ohio Stadium to get into the ceremony. They are:
- Gates 7, 9, 11, 13, 23 and 25on the West side;
- Gates 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20and 22on the East side.
Security measures are similar to attending an Ohio State football game. All items and persons entering the stadium are subject to security screening and inspection via a walk through metal detector and/or a hand wand metal detector.
Prohibited items include:
- Alcohol
- Coolers
- Bags of any type larger than 5-by-8-by-1 inches
- Noisemaking devices
- Mace, pepper spray, aerosol cans or similar substances
- Banners or signs
- Sticks or poles
- Weapons or items that mimic weapons including, but not limited to: lighters, matches, firearms (including Concealed Carry Weapon permit holders), fireworks, pocket knives, knives, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, stun guns, squirt guns, super soakers, rope and chains
Guests who need to bring a medical bag should enter through the Press Entrance on the west side of the stadium or the Band Entrance on the east side of the stadium.
Where should I park?
With an estimated 60,000 people attending commencement on Sunday, mixed with construction on Cannon Drive, folks should expect heavy traffic around Ohio Stadium and on campus.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Sisson Hall lots and any of the permit zones around Ag Campus, the Schottenstein Center, or the student residence halls. No permit is required. The Arps, Ohio Union, Neil Avenue and Lane Avenue garages will be available at no charge.
Disability parkingis located in the East Stadium loton a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking garages are likely to fill up fast, so its encouraged that guests use the West Campus parking lots and take a complimentary shuttle bus to the stadium.
Shuttle buseswill run from West Campus parking lots to the Coffey Road fields beginning at 9:00 a.m. until one hour after the ceremony. The Coffey Road fields are approximately a half-mile or a 10-minute walk, from Ohio Stadium.
Planning to Uber? Guests arriving by a ride-share serviceshould be dropped off at the Schottenstein Center. Pickup after the ceremony will be at Neil Avenue and 19th Avenue.
What will Ohio State do if it rains during graduation?
Weather is looking a bit spotty for commencement on Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington is forecasting a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. with partly sunny skies a high near 79 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Commencement will only be canceled if the ceremony cannot be held in Ohio Stadium due to inclement weather. That's because no indoor facility on campus can accommodate the graduating class and 60,000 guests.
If it is raining or rain is forecast on commencement day,graduates and guests should come prepared with appropriate rain gear. Ponchos, raincoats and something to cover wet bleachers are encouraged. Umbrellas are permitted in Ohio Stadium, but using them during the ceremony is discouraged.
Who is giving the commencement speech?
Chris Pan — a social entrepreneur, musician and inspirational speaker — will be the commencement speaker.
Pan, a 1999 Ohio State graduate, worked for PepsiCo and Facebook before starting his own company, MyIntent. "MyIntent makes bracelets with a customer-chosen word that helps the wearer remember to live intentionally," according to the university.
Pan’s umbrella organization SpiritLab promotes spiritual health and growth through experimentation.
“Chris Pan is an incredible example of taking everything you gain at Ohio State and applying it to find solutions that improve the world after graduation,” said Ohio State President Ted Carter. “As we celebrate commencement, I am confident Chris will inspire our graduates to make their own impact as they begin their journey as lifelong Buckeyes.”
Pan released a draft of his commencement speech to his social media accounts Sunday and asked for feedback.
A draft of the speech shows that he plans to invite everyone to sing parts of “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes and “This Little Light of Mine," and he plans to take his shirt off at one point.
After the musical numbers, Pan transitions to talking about the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza and how to address conflict resolution.
"What I learned is that there is so much pain and trauma in both communities. Pain causes hate and violence. Hurt people hurt people. Healed people help people," according to his draft speech. "When we heal ourselves, we heal the world. World peace starts with inner peace."
Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter,here.
shendrix@dispatch.com
@sheridan120
