Commencement marks the pinnacle of academic achievement, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University proudly celebrates the occasion with formal pomp and circumstance. We are committed to maintaining a safe campus environment for all members of the university community.

Graduation

Spring 2023 Graduation Applications

Application for graduation is due March 1st in order to participate in commencement.

Photography

Graduation photography is provided by Craig’s Photography LLC. Following the event, visit craigsphotographyllc.zenfolio.com to view and purchase images. For questions about specific photos, packages, or pricing, please contact Craig’s Photography

Join us for our Spring 2023 Graduation Events

Graduates and guests are invited to in-person graduation weekend events on Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th, 2023, in the Chapel Fine Arts Center at OKWU. Please view the schedule listed below for further details.

All graduation weekend events are non-ticketed with seating on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please see Guest Information below for further details.

Graduation Schedule

Friday may 5th

1 PM: School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony at Chapel Fine Arts Center

The OKWU Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a commissioning service for Nursing students to share with their families, friends, and colleagues as they celebrate their achievements in education and earn their BSN, RN-BSN, or MSN respectively. This distinguished occasion is marked by the blessing of the hands in which our graduates are anointed to be the hands and feel of Jesus as they enter the next phase of the careers. 

7 PM: Celebration Service at Chapel Fine Arts Center

The OKWU Celebration Service includes worship, communion, and award recognition celebrating the successes of our student graduates. Invite your family and friends to join us in worshipping the Lord and celebrating the outstanding academic achievements within our student body. This service is REQUIRED for all Traditional graduates; we also encourage GPS graduates to attend if possible. There will be no regalia required and no seating arrangements. 

Saturday may 6th
10:30 AM: Commencement Ceremony at Chapel Fine Arts Center

9:15 AM: Student Check-In (Lyon Hall entrance-circle drive)
9:15 AM: Auditorium doors open for guests
10:30 AM: Commencement Ceremony

Immediately following the commencement ceremony, graduates will recess to the lower west patio and open area outside the lower west double doors of the Chapel Fine Arts Center. The Alumni Association will provide a small gift to each graduate upon exit of the chapel building. Families and friends will be able to gather with graduates and faculty for picture opportunities and fellowship time. 

Guest Information

Auditorium entrance will be open at 9:15 AM for guest seating. This is a non-ticketed event with seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to sit towards the center of rows as seated to allow for optimal seating opportunities. Guests will be able to save seats up until 10:10 AM; at that time ushers will ask that seats be open to any guests that arrive. Overflow seating will be available in Lyon Hall after 10:20 AM. 

Main parking areas are listed on the Campus Map with designate handicap accessible parking located at the northeast parking lot at the main entrance to the Chapel Fine Arts Center. Alternate parking will be located across Silver Lake Road to the south of the main campus entry.

At this time, no COVID-19 regulations will be enforced during any of the Spring 2023 graduation events. OKWU is continuing to monitor COVID-19 protocols and will take measures if necessary to provide safety and well being for our community members. Please refer to this webpage for updated information.

For those unable to be present for the commencement ceremony, a live broadcast will be available at the top of this page starting just before the ceremony approximately around 10:20 AM

Following the commencement ceremony, the chapel auditorium will be locked for cleaning. Graduates and guests will recess out the lower west double doors to the patio and open green space after the ceremony, weather permitting, to pick up their Alumni Association gift. There will be photo opportunities available.

Doc Lacy’s Coffee Shop will be open after the ceremony from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM to purchase beverages and school merchandise. OKWU merchandise is also available for purchase on the bookstore website.

Graduate Checklist
  • Graduation Application *see above link for graduate applications*
  • Order cap & gown *see ‘Regalia’ below for ordering information*
  • Commencement day information
    • Check in: 9:15 AM Southwest lower double doors into Lyon Hall
    • Ceremony Instructions and Information: 9:55 AM Lyon Hall
    • Line up: 10:20 AM Chapel Foyer
    • Commencement Ceremony: 10:30 AM Chapel Fine Arts Center
    • Recessional to lower west patio and open area for pictures and social interaction
  • Do I have a plan for someone to hold my things during commencement?
    • Make sure you have someone available to care for your personal items
  • Did I convey the necessary info to my guests?
    • Make sure you have given your family and friends pertinent information regarding parking, seating, and commencement schedules (see Campus Map for parking areas)
  • How do I fill out exit counseling information for student loans?
    • Federal Student loans:
      • Go to: https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/
        You will need your ID and two references with complete names, addresses, and phone numbers for these steps
        File the form and click ‘Submit’ at the end
      • The Office of Financial Aid will receive and automated notification when you have completed the process
    • TEACH Grant:
    • Private loans:
      • Please contact your private lender and file the necessary paperwork with that entity
Regalia and Dress Code

Graduates can order cap and gown regalia on the Herff Jones website. Select the graduate status that applies (Traditional, Graduate, or Nursing), select your degree, select ‘Shop’ and order the appropriate materials needed.

All regalia needs to be ordered no later than April 6th, 2023 to ensure on time delivery.

You may decorate your cap if it is consistent with OKWU community standards, which are described as OKWU distinctives (page 7) and conduct expectations (page 42-48) in our Student Handbook. If it is deemed inconsistent, you may not be able to walk in the ceremony.

Acceptable dress code expectations will follow the OKWU Dress Code policy on page 46 of the Student Handbook. Please note, this is a formal event and graduates should wear proper attire that is acceptable in a professional setting. DO NOT wear shorts, t-shirts, sandals, jean’s or other attire that is not of a professional standard.

If you have any questions regarding regalia or dress code items, please contact:
Jimmy Neill
Administrative Specialist to the Provost
918.335.6288
jneill@okwu.edu

Health and Safety
  • Stay home if sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Livestreaming of the commencement will be available on this webpage for those unable to attend.
  • Practice good hygiene. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout university facilities.
  • Food and beverages (except water) are not permitted inside the chapel auditorium.
  • School safety officials, local law enforcement, and local EMT services will be located on site to handle any situation outside the control of school staff or faculty. We ask that you please give them your highest level of respect when approached during any situation that may require their assistance.
Diplomas and Transcripts
  • If your alumni mailing address has changed since completing your graduation application, you will have the opportunity to update it in the link below. OKWU will make the address you submit in the link your address of record with OKWU. However, if at any time in the future your address changes, please update it using this link.
  • Diplomas will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks after your degree is conferred, which is the last date of the term/semester when all graduation requirements are completed. Transcripts are available for order within 7-10 days after the end of the term through this link.
  • Contact the Registrar’s Office with any questions.
Event Contact Information

For any questions, comment, or concerns regarding graduation weekend events, please contact:

Jimmy Neill
Administrative Specialist to the Provost
918.335.6288
jneill@okwu.edu

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