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Commencement 2025
OUHCOM Commencement Ceremony

Heritage College Commencement


Heritage College Class of 2025 Commencement

Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Convocation Center - 95 Richland Ave, Athens, OH 45701

HCOM Commencement Invitation 2025

Agenda

  • Thursday, May 8 Athens

    1:00pm | Grads on the Green Golf Scramble

    5:00pm | Grads Gathering at

  • Friday, May 9 Athens

    10:30am | Graduate Rehearsal (mentors optional) at Convocation Center - Please be seated on the floor by 10:15am 

    12:30pm | Welcome Reception on West Portico

    1:30pm | Awards Ceremony at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium 

    4:00pm | Office of Inclusion Graduation Celebration - for questions contact HCOM Inclusion

  • Saturday, May 10 Athens

    8:30am | Doors open to guests at Convocation Center

    9:00am | Graduates and Mentors will assemble at the Convocation Center

    10:00am | Commencement ceremony begins

    1:30pm | Military Commissioning Ceremony at Baker Center

Commencement Information

You have questions? We have answers!

Need to knows
General Information
Where is the HCOM commencement ceremony?

The HCOM Commencement ceremony will take place at the Convocation Center on 95 Richland Avenue, Athens Ohio 45701.

When do the festivities begin? How long does the ceremony typically last?

Doors open to guests at 8:30am and the ceremony starts at 10am.  The ceremony is approximately 2 hours.

Is there a lost and found?

Lost and found is located at Will Call. After the event, all items will be taken to Baker University Center Guest Services (740-593-4000).

Are seats reserved?

No reservations are needed for any seating. All seating, including limited mobility sections, is first come, first served. There are no tickets required for the Commencement Ceremony. 

I am faculty interested in participating in Commencement. What do I need to know?

Academic processional consists of interested faculty members wearing regalia from the institution by which their degree was conferred and walking on to the arena floor while sitting behind the graduates in support of their hard work and dedication towards their D.O. degrees. 

Mentor's hooding graduates will be seated on the arena floor with their graduate and cannot participate in processional. 

Faculty interested in being apart of the processional should email Christina Baumann, baumannc@ohio.edu, for additional information. 

Where can I find Graduation Announcements?

Graduation announcements are available through 91探花 Printing Services.

 

The official Heritage College of Medicine Commencement 2025 Invitation!

Need to Knows
Student Information
How can I order my regalia?

All graduates who plan to participate in Commencement must wear regalia. Regalia will be shipped directly to each graduate, and graduates are expected to bring their academic attire with them on graduation day. The deadline to order graduate regalia will be announced soon. Graduates should unpack their regalia upon arrival to verify that the regalia is correct and to steam their regalia.

Order Graduate Regalia - Link Coming Soon!

Any issues with regalia upon arrival can be directed to (540) 387-0000 or customercare@oakhalli.com.

Note: This is not the same link for mentors who wish to rent regalia.

Due to changes in academic regalia provided by our vendor we highly discourage graduates from borrowing academic regalia from previous HCOM graduates in order to have a unified look among all graduates. Our current regalia was used for the first time with the Class of 2023 - gowns should not be borrowed or purchased from any Class before the graduating class of 2023.

When should I arrive for the ceremony?

Graduates should arrive on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the garage under the Convocation Center with their regalia on and ready.  If the graduate also has a mentor, the mentor will also need to arrive at the same time and place as the graduate. 

Saturday, May 11 鈥 Athens                                                                                                                           

8:30 a.m.  |  Doors open to guests at the Convocation Center
9:00 a.m.  |  Graduates and mentors will assemble at the Convocation Center
10:00 a.m.  |  Commencement ceremony begins

Are graduates required to go to rehearsal on Friday?

Yes! Graduates are required to be at rehearsal on Friday, mentors have to option to attend.

Friday, May 9 鈥 Athens

10:30 a.m.  |  Graduate Rehearsal (mentors optional) at Convocation Center 
1:00 p.m.  |  Awards Ceremony at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium - Reception to follow

How many guests can I bring?

There is no limit on the amount of guests and the event is not ticketed. 

How can I get pictures from commencement?

Grad Team productions will be contacting your email or your permanent address with proofs of your commencement photo, which are available for purchase.

What side should my tassel be on?

All tassels go on the left side of your tam, for graduates and mentors. 

Where can I put my bag and jacket during the Commencement?

Do not bring anything with you onto the arena floor that you cannot hold in your pockets, you will not return to your seat after you cross the stage. 

How do I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to all graduates. If graduates need to update their mailing address or verify the address on file, please contact graduation@ohio.edu(opens in a new window) as soon as possible to update or verify your address. Diplomas are scheduled to be mailed 10-15 business days after graduation. This address will also be used for mailing items to graduates who do not attend the in-person ceremony after the event.

Certified Electronic Credentials can be ordered from the registrar's office. Learn more about an official, highly secure electronic copy of your 91探花 diploma/certificate that may be downloaded and shared for a lifetime.

Degree Verifications
The Senior Director of Student Affairs provides proof of degree verification. Graduates of 91探花 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine seeking degree verification for residency or state licensure can request verification by submitting all requests by email to Amanda Mansfield Records Management Specialist, Amanda Mansfield, by fax 740-590-2399, or by mail to:

OU-HCOM Student Affairs
191 W. Union St. 
Heritage Hall 283B
Athens, OH 45701

For questions about degree and enrollment verifications, please contact Amanda Mansfield by email or by phone 740-593-2156.

Do I need to apply to graduate?

YES! Graduates must apply with the Registrar's Office to graduate with 91探花 - learn more about applying to graduate.

 

Can I have a mentor hood me at the graduation ceremony? How many can I have?

A special part of the commencement ceremony is the opportunity for you to name a mentor to 鈥渉ood鈥 you on stage during Commencement. A mentor is someone who has encouraged and fostered a student's academic accomplishments. They should best represent the spirit and the art of medical education. Students are allowed only ONE mentor at graduation ceremony. A mentor is not required for graduation. If you do not have a mentor that you would wish to hood you, your Campus Dean will hood you on stage at the ceremony. 

Your mentor must meet the following criteria: 

The mentor must have a doctoral degree (degrees include, but are not limited to: D.O., M.D., D.D.S., D.P.M., D.V.M., D.C., D.M.D., O.D., Ph.D., J.D., etc.).

The mentor must be an established member of the professional community who has practiced/worked in their field for a minimum of one year. Peers and fellow classmates cannot serve as mentors.

Need to knows
Mentor Information
Do I need to wear Regalia for the commencement ceremony? Can I rent it?

Mentors will be expected to wear academic regalia. Mentors are welcome to bring their own regalia or order rental regalia.

The deadline for renting mentor regalia will be announced soon. Rented regalia will be available for pickup on the morning of commencement in the lower lobby of the Convocation Center, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Rented regalia should be returned immediately following the ceremony.

Order Mentor Rental Regalia - Link Coming Soon!

Note: This is NOT the same link for graduates who are purchasing regalia.

Rented Regalia for mentors includes gown, hood, tassel, and mortarboard cap. (Hats are not required for mentors.) , Tams can be purchased for mentors who wish to wear a tam instead of the mortarboard cap. Tams are available as an individual item to purchase.

Order Individual Tam (Link Coming Soon) (Steps to Place Tam Order: Click Let's get started > Click Choose for HCOM Package - Ship to Home > Click Individual products, Click Tam, and complete the remaining steps for checkout. 

When should I arrive for the ceremony and where should I be?

Mentors will assemble in the garage under the Convocation Center at 9 a.m. with their graduates in their regalia and ready.

Saturday, May 11 鈥 Athens                                                                                                                           

8:30 a.m.  |  Doors open to guests at the Convocation Center
9:00 a.m.  |  Graduates and mentors will assemble at the Convocation Center
10:00 a.m.  |  Commencement ceremony begins

Are mentors required to come to graduation rehearsal on Friday?

No, mentors are not required to be present at graduate rehearsal.  Mentors are more than welcome to come and be apart of rehearsal, it is optional.  Rehearsal on Friday is only required for graduating students. 

Friday, May 10 鈥 Athens

10:30 a.m.  |  Graduate Rehearsal (mentors optional) at Convocation Center

What is the criteria for being a Graduate Mentor?

A mentor is someone who has encouraged and fostered a student's academic accomplishments. They should best represent the spirit and the art of medical education. A mentor is not required for graduation. The criteria for mentor selection are as follows:

Each student may choose ONE mentor for Commencement.

The mentor must have a doctoral degree (degrees include, but are not limited to: D.O., M.D., D.D.S., D.P.M., D.V.M., D.C., D.M.D., O.D., Ph.D., J.D., etc.).

The mentor must be an established member of the professional community who has practiced/worked in their field for a minimum of one year. Peers and fellow classmates cannot serve as mentors.

What information does the University need to know about the Graduate Mentors?

Your name (First and Last)

Phonetic spelling of your name

Doctoral Degree

University where you doctoral degree was conferred

Mentor email

Mentors phone number

Need to rent regalia?

Will attend commencement ceremony?

Need to Knows
Military Information
What ways can I be recognized as a military graduate?

You can choose as many of the options or none at all: 

On stage - Military Uniform

In the pre-event slideshow shown on the jumbotron at the Convocation Center

In the virtual program

Participate in Military Commissioning

Being recognized on stage at commencement means you will report to portal 2 on the arena floor in your military uniform with your regalia on a hanger on the day of commencement.  You will then give your regalia to an event staff to have ready for you at another disclosed location for after you cross the stage. Once recognized on stage you will then go change into your regalia and make your way back onto the floor to your assigned seat.   

The Heritage College is proud to recognize all military services, active members and veterans. 

What is Military Commissioning?

This ceremony, in which the new Officers take their commissioning oaths, marks the end of a four-year journey of education, training, and self-discovery and the beginning of a journey of military service. 

How do I receive my Military Stole?

Please submit a picture of your military ID or DD Form 214 to Christina Baumann (baumannc@ohio.edu) or in your first grad form email.

Where is the Military Commissioning held for graduates and their families/guests?

Military Commissioning is held on campus at Baker Center in room 240/242 at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday May 10th, 2025.

What should I wear to the Military Commissioning?

You are not required to do so but if you choose to be in uniform, Class As are preferred but utilities will work. 

Where can I find the Military Commissioning program?

The link to view the Military Commissioning virtual program is coming soon, check back for more information!

Graduate Academic Regalia

All graduates who plan to participate in Commencement must wear regalia. Regalia will be shipped directly to each graduate, and graduates are expected to bring their academic attire with them on graduation day. The deadline to order graduate regalia is will be announced soon. Graduates should unpack their regalia upon arrival to verify that the regalia is correct and to steam their regalia. 

Academic Regalia

Order Graduate Regalia - Link Coming Soon!

Any issues with regalia upon arrival can be directed to (540) 387-0000 or customercare@oakhalli.com.

Note: This is not the same link for mentors who wish to rent regalia.

Due to changes in academic regalia provided by our vendor we highly discourage graduates from borrowing academic regalia from previous HCOM graduates in order to have a unified look among all graduates. Our current regalia was used for the first time with the Class of 2023 - gowns should not be borrowed or purchased from the Class before the graduating class of 2023.

Honorary cords will be distributed at the graduate rehearsal on Friday morning.

CELEBRATE

All things Commencement

Find the right Gear
Graduate Apparel Sale

The Class Officers organize a special Graduate Sale for graduating students. Designs are customized to the graduating class. The sale will be open for 2 weeks in the Spring. All items will be shipped directly to the purchaser after the sale closes. Link Coming Soon!


The Class Officers are also pleased to offer an HCOM apparel sale that is always open and ships directly to the purchaser. Please allow 7-10 business days for production & shipment. Due to the custom nature of these products, orders are not eligible for return or exchange. All sales are final. A variety of apparel is offered with 3 logo designs (HCOM, OHIO Medicine, and HCOM Alumni).

Celebrate together!
Celebration Kit

Help us honor the Class of 2025 by downloading a graphic below and sharing it on the social media platform of your choice. Be sure to use #OUHCOM to join the conversation!

Printable Signs

Printable sign for HCOM Commencement
Bobcat Doctors printable sign for HCOM Commencement
OUHCOM 2025 printable commencement sign

GIFs

Rufus the Bobcat dressed in Regalia
Congratulations HCOM Class of 2025
HCOM Class of 2025 GIF

Instagram Story Templates

Medical School Throwbacks Instagram Story Commencement
Medical School Memories Instagram Story Commencement

Zoom Backgrounds

OUHCOM Class of 2025 Zoom Background image
HCOM University Crest Zoom background image
OUHCOM Class of 2025 Zoom Background image
Zoom Background HCOM Grad 2025

 

All smiles
Ceremony Photos

Awards, Commencement, and Military commissioning photos will be available following the event for guests and graduates. The Grad Team provides pre-, during, and post-event photography. Each graduate will have a photo taken after they cross the stage and with their mentor (if applicable). Each graduate is gifted a 5x7 digital download of a photo of their choice. Photos are available for purchase as digital downloads or print copies on the website: . Graduates will receive more details about their photo gift certificate by email directly from the grad team. 

Celebrating on Repeat!
Archived Ceremonies

If you couldn't attend previous ceremonies or wish to view them again, the links below will take you to archived videos of the event.

View 2020 Graduation Celebration Webpage

Awards Ceremony

Virtual Programs

 

Virtual Viewing

Livestream Link

Graduates who wish to participate virtually can watch the live-stream ceremony. Graduates who are viewing the live stream ceremony remotely will have their names called after all in-person graduate names are called. The live stream will be watch-only. Graduates will not be on the screen from home as their name is called. Graduates are encouraged to share this website with anyone who wishes to watch the live-stream ceremony.

 

Link to Watch Awards Ceremony - Coming Soon

Link to Watch Commencement - Coming Soon

Virtual Program

In an effort to contribute to sustainability at 91探花, the Heritage College has transitioned to virtual programs at large scale events. We are committed to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Guests will receive a one page order of events with a QR code to the digital program. The QR code will also be displayed on signs around the concourse at the Convocation Center and on the jumbotron. We appreciate your support of our sustainability efforts. 

 

View the Virtual Program - Coming Soon

Plan Your Arrival

Bringing the party to Athens

Find the best seats in the house
Seating and Accommodations

Convocation Center Map

Seating in the Convocation Center is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be no tickets issued. There is no limit on the number of guests that graduates may invite to the ceremony.

Mobility Devices: The venues do not offer mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) for guest use on-site for the Awards Ceremony or Commencement. Please make arrangements to arrive at the venues with the appropriate mobility devices. As a courtesy, we have created a . The companies listed are not affiliated with 91探花 or the Heritage College.

Accessibility Seating: There are designated seating sections for guests who have limited mobility and for guests who are full-time wheelchair users. We ask that only one additional guest sit in this section to maximize our accessibility seating options. Ushers will be available to direct guests to these seats.

Limited Mobility Seating is available in the designated sections of the lower and upper balconies and requires the navigation of 1-2 steps in general seating. The wheelchair and stroller check area will be available in the main lobby.

Guests who are full-time wheelchair users and one guest will be directed to the floor in the Wheelchair User Seating Area, which is on the right side of the Graduate Seating and is accessible.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing: An American Sign Language (ALS) interpreter will provide interpreting services at the ceremony. There is a designated ASL seating section for the best view of the interpreter. The interpreter will also be shown on the live stream link for guests watching the ceremony remotely.

Lactation: Available at 217 on the concourse there is a Mamava lactation suite to use as a comfortable, private location for individuals needing to pump or nurse. To utilize the Mamava suite, you will need to download the Mamava App on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app will allow you to unlock the Mamava suite in the Convocation Center. You can also use the code on the door, which is 8008.

Baby Changing: Located in the accessible stall in each restroom (last stall). 

Convocation Center Map of Interior seating
Scope out your spot - Friday and Saturday
Event Parking

Parking and Shuttles 

Friday Parking: The Awards Ceremony will be held at Memorial Auditorium and parking is very limited near that location. There will be plenty of parking around the convocation center and a continuous shuttle (wheelchair accessible) will run from:

Times TBA from Grosvenor Hall to Memorial Auditorium

Times TBA from Grosvenor Hall to Memorial Auditorium to Heritage Hall

Times TBA from Heritage Hall to Grosvenor Hall

detailed parking map of the Convocation Center

Saturday Parking: Parking will be available around the convocation center. 

Parking map of the Convocation Center

CATCAB-accessible transit is also available for guests in wheelchairs and with other mobility limitations. Guests wishing to utilize CATCAB should call Parking Services (740-593-1917) to schedule a pick-up time - 30 minutes advanced notice is requested.

Additional parking information can be found  on the 2024 Spring Commencement Transportation & Parking Information page

Best places to stay
Travel Arrangements

Restaurants/Lodging/Travel

For lodging and local restaurants, visit the .

Travel information for the . 

Transportation options from the airport to Athens, Ohio:

- Available to request a ride up to 90 days ahead of time

- Routes from CMH Airport to Athens, OH

Safe and Secure at Commencement - Convocation Center Policies
Safety Protocols

Security: Bag checks will be performed at the entrances. All bags and persons are subject to search. 

Prohibited items are as follows:

  • Aerosol cans
  • Alcohol
  • Animals
  • Bookbags/backpacks
  • Commercial video/audio equipment and tripods
  • Fireworks
  • Food/beverages (factory sealed water bottles and children's snacks/drinks will be permitted)
  • Hoverboards/skateboards
  • Ice chests/coolers
  • Laser pointers
  • Noisemakers/airhorns
  • Weapons (including pepper spray and knives/blades of any length)
  • Signs, flags, banners
  • Balloons
  • Any item(s) deemed hazardous by event personnel

*Use of tobacco products within and around the facility is prohibited per University Policy 44.113: Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus.

*Any Assistive Devices (wheelchairs, strollers, walking aids, etc.) must be checked in at the stroller/wheelchair check between sections 206 and 207. 

Questions? 

For questions related to HCOM Commencement, please contact Sarah Lawrence
by phone at 740-593-2164 or by email (lawrences@ohio.edu).