
Spring 2025 Commencement
Welcome to Commencement at the University of Cincinnati! This is a momentous occasion where we celebrate the achievements of our graduating students and their journey towards success. Below you’ll find key information about the ceremony.
Ceremony Information
Graduates may not carry any objects on stage. This is to ensure the proper pace and safety of the graduates as they cross the graduation stage. This rule does not apply to items needed to navigate the stage, such as a walker, crutches, etc.
Guests are permitted to bring signs which are hand-held and no greater than 11" x 17". Any signs of a larger size are prohibited. This is to ensure a clear view of the ceremony for all attendees. Signs, banners, and flags may not be hung or fastened anywhere. The staff reserves the right to remove any flag, banner or sign that fails to comply with University rules and policies.
Tickets are required for entry to Commencement for both graduates and guests. Graduating students were sent information on claiming their student ticket and guest tickets.
Please note that Fifth Third Arena and Nippert Stadium have a clear bag policy in place for all events. Ensure you review the Approved Item Policy before attending your ceremony. Strollers and balloons are not permitted in the venues.
Graduation is a time to celebrate. We will make every reasonable effort to hold the Commencement ceremonies outside in Nippert Stadium to celebrate all your accomplishments. However, weather in May in Cincinnati can be unpredictable, so we encourage you to prepare in advance. You may consider bringing a raincoat, poncho, and/or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
If modifications to the ceremonies are needed, we will announce any changes as early as possible so you and your guests can adjust your plans. Ultimately, our primary goal is to keep students and guests safe.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held. Remember, umbrellas are not allowed in Nippert Stadium for the safety and consideration of other guests.
In the event of severe weather (including thunder and lightning), graduates will be moved to a sheltered area and then directed into the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) to walk across the stage and have their name announced. Only graduates will be allowed inside the CRC. The virtual livestream will continue throughout this process, and also be broadcast at the following locations around campus:
- Tangeman University Center (TUC) Cinema and Food Court
- Arts & Sciences Hall Rooms 43 and 53
- Braunstein Hall Rooms 300 and 301
- Swift Hall Rooms 500 and 800
- Zimmer Hall Room 400
The livestream will also be available for viewing on the Commencement website the following day.
Ceremony Schedule
Doctoral Hooding and Master's Recognition Ceremony
- Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Location: Fifth Third Arena
- Doors Open: 1:30pm
- Graduating Student Check-in: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
- Ceremony Begins: 3:00pm
- Colleges Participating: All colleges included
May 2 - Undergraduate Ceremonies
We are excited to welcome our undergraduates and their guests to Nippert Stadium on Friday, May 2 to celebrate graduation. UC's historic Nippert Stadium venue both accommodates our increasing number of graduates and makes it possible for each graduate to bring more guests. In this venue, we will look forward to celebrating with you and maintaining traditions, such as the reading of the graduate's name.
Morning Undergraduate Ceremony
- Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Location: Nippert Stadium
- Doors Open: 7:30am
- Graduating Student Check-in: 7:30am - 8:30am
- Ceremony Begins: 9:00am
- Participating Colleges:
- Carl H. Lindner College of Business
- College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
- College of Engineering and Applied Science
- College of Nursing
Afternoon Undergraduate Ceremony
- Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Location: Nippert Stadium
- Doors Open: 1:30pm
- Graduating Student Check-in: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
- Ceremony Begins: 3:00pm
- Participating Colleges:
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences
- UC Blue Ash College
- UC Clermont College
- College-Conservatory of Music
- College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
- College of Medicine
- University of Cincinnati
Save the Date for Future Ceremonies
- Summer 2025: August 8 and 9
- Fall 2025: December 12 and 13
- Spring 2026: April 30, May 1, and 2
- Summer 2026: August 7 and 8
All information is subject to change.
Please check back frequently for updates.