Commencement

OU graduates to be honored at drive-in commencement ceremonies

Ceremonies will take place May 13-15

icon of a calendarApril 19, 2021

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OU graduates to be honored at drive-in commencement ceremonies
Illustration by Lily Stotz

Oakland University will celebrate its fall 2020 and spring 2021 graduates during drive-in commencement ceremonies May 13-15. The events will combine traditional elements of commencement with adaptations to protect the health and safety of attendees.   

To adhere to social distancing mandates, students and families will be able to experience the ceremonies from their vehicles in Parking Lot P1 on Oakland University’s campus.

Photos of graduates will be shown on a big screen, along with videos of speeches from Oakland University leaders, including President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. Graduates will also have the opportunity to walk across the commencement stage in cap and gown and receive their diploma covers at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The drive-in commencement ceremonies will honor both undergraduate and graduate students.

Thursday, May 13

10 a.m. – School of Business Administration and School of Engineering and Computer Science
2 p.m. – School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing


Friday, May 14

9 a.m. – School of Education and Human Services, and Bachelor of Integrative Studies 


Saturday, May 15

9 a.m. – Masters and Doctoral (all areas)
1 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences (all majors)

*These dates and times are for both Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 Graduates 

For students who have RSVP’d for the Drive-In Commencement ceremony, parking passes and any earned honor cords will be available for pick up at the Office for Student Involvement Service Window in the lower level of the Oakland Center. Honor cords are for Undergraduate students only. Window hours are: 

  • Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Wednesdays open late until 6:30 p.m.
  • Special Saturday hours on May 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To learn more about the drive-in commencement ceremonies, visit oakland.edu/commencement. To view a list of FAQs, visit oakland.edu/commencement/general-information.

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