Commencement 2023

Commencement 2023

Commencement 2023 will be hosted on the OCCC campus at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on Saturday, May 13^th. We will be hosting division specific ceremonies at the following times:

• • 10 a.m. Science, Engineering, and Math & Associate in Science in Diversified Studies
  • 1 p.m. Arts, English, and Humanities
  • 4 p.m. Business and Information Technology & Social Sciences
  • Health Professions Pinning’s/Commencement hosted by Health Professions Division May 11^th

Graduates who have informed the Graduation office that they wanted to attend the Commencement ceremony via their graduation application have received an email with an RSVP link to the appropriate ceremony. RSVP’s are required for graduates to participate.  You will not be on the list to purchase your cap and gown from the OCCC bookstore without an RSVP.  The RSVP is due no later than Friday, March 31^st. Once we receive all RSVP’s, the list of students will be provided to the OCCC bookstore so that you may purchase your cap and gown for the ceremony.  You must wear a black cap and gown.  Caps and gowns will go on sale in the OCCC bookstore in April with an approximate cost of $49. Tickets will be required for family and friends. Seating within the theater will be on a first come/first served basis for ticket holders. There will be a limited number of tickets per graduate available for pickup from the Graduation office between April 5th-April 21st. Further information regarding ticket pick-up will be available after all RSVP’s are collected in April. If you believe you should have received an RSVP email and did not, or have any other questions regarding the ceremony, please contact getoffice@occc.edu or by calling 405-682-7522. Next Steps:

1. Caps & Gowns: You are now ready to purchase your black cap & gown through the OCCC Bookstore. Costs are $49.99 for the cap, gown, and tassel.  These are available now in the store or online here: http://bookstore.occc.edu/home.aspx.  While they will be for sale through Friday, May 12^th, we recommend purchasing yours early so you’re able to iron or hang it up ahead of time to avoid wrinkles.
2. Tickets for Family & Friends: During the weeks of April 5^th-April 21^st, you, or a designee, will need to stop by the Records & Graduation office to pick up your 4 tickets for family/friends. Seating will be on a first come/first served basis however tickets will be required for entry into the theater.  Ticket pickup will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday’s. **If you do not pick up your allotted tickets by April 21^st or contact the Graduation office regarding your tickets, they will be released to the next person on the waiting list.**
3. Extra Ticket Potential: There may be the potential for extra tickets once all graduates have picked up their assigned tickets.  If you are interested in extra tickets when you pick up your allotted number we will place you on a waiting list in the order the request comes in and notify you if/when these tickets become available.
4. Food Trucks & Outdoor Games: To help celebrate this accomplishment, we will have fun yard games outside of the VPAC as well as food trucks to enjoy with your family and friends after your ceremony! Grads-your meal is on us as a small way to say Congrats! There will be a food truck voucher you’ll pick up as you exit the theater and will be able to choose which truck to try!
5. Live Stream: Invite your family and friends who are unable to attend to watch the livestream event at occc.edu.
6. Candid Color: You will receive an email this month from Candid Color, the photographers that will be at Commencement, asking you to register for the ceremony. They are asking you to upload a selfie at the time of registration which will help get your photos to you faster!  These photo’s will be available for purchase after the ceremony.

Lastly, let the Records and Graduation office know if you or your guest needs any special accommodations no later than Friday, May 5^th and be on the lookout for more information regarding how to line up/when to arrive for the ceremony in late-April.   If you have any questions, please call 405-682-1611, ext. 7470.