CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION!
CAMERON UNIVERSITY’S ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:30 P.M. ON FRIDAY, MAY 3, IN CAMERON STADIUM. THE INFORMATION BELOW WILL HELP GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PLANNING PROCESS:
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
Cameron University graduates who completed coursework in December 2023 or who will complete requirements in May, July or December 2024, are eligible to participate in Commencement. It is important to understand that you must apply for graduation if you plan to participate in the ceremony. You can find out more at https://www.cameron.edu/registrar.
CEREMONY TO BE LIVESTREAMED
The university has made arrangements with the Oklahoma Sports Network for the ceremony to be livestreamed. Guests unable to be physically present in the stadium will be able to watch the ceremony on personal devices. The ceremony will also be archived on Cameron University’s YouTube channel.
ON THE EVENING OF COMMENCEMENT
In lieu of the traditional processional, all candidates for graduation and faculty should be in their seats no later than 7:20 p.m. Students should be dropped off at either the northwest or southeast stadium gates. A check-in table will be set up on the field for graduates who need name cards. The ceremony begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.
All candidates who have applied for graduation will receive a copy of the Graduation Times, which will include much of the same information that appears on this website. Included with each student’s copy will be a graduate name card with personal graduate information. It is extremely important to bring this card with you to Commencement, as it has the information that will be read as you cross the stage. We strongly suggest that you write your name as it is pronounced beneath your printed name to assist the announcer. The photographer will also use this card to help identify your graduation photo. If you lose or forget your card, it is imperative that you pick up another one from Commencement officials when you arrive. These cards can be obtained at the table located on the football field.
All attendees are strongly encouraged to remain until the end of the ceremony so that every graduate is appropriately honored. The ceremony should last less than two hours and will end with a fireworks display. After the fireworks conclude, please remain seated while the platform party exits the stage. After their departure, graduates are free to join their families.
REGALIA
Please remember, Commencement is an academic exercise with specific regalia guidelines. Only Regent-approved regalia may be worn for Commencement, including approved ornaments representing the candidates’ collegiate experience. You can read the full policy at www.cameron.edu/regalia. Specific questions may be directed to the Registrar's Office at (580) 581-2238 or graduation@cameron.edu.
SECURITY PROCEDURES
Officers will conduct safety checks of all carry-in bags (handbags, purses, camera bags, etc.). Illegal drugs, alcohol, weapons, fireworks, signs on poles, or noisemakers are not allowed. Oversized bags, backpacks and duffle bags will not be permitted, nor will coolers with drinks, cans or bottles. Graduates should leave personal belongings with family and friends as it is likely they will not return to the same seat after receiving their diploma covers.
GUESTS
Guests may enter the stadium through any gate. Please advise guests to allow sufficient time to walk from parking areas, pass through gate security, and be seated no later than 7:20 p.m. CU staff will provide programs and answer questions.
Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please be aware that the graduate seating area is restricted to graduation candidates and event staff. Only Cameron staff and graduates will be allowed on the stadium floor. Guests will not be allowed into that area to greet graduates or to take photos or videos.
PARKING
Guests are asked to drop off candidates at the northwest or southeast gates before parking. Seating for individuals with disabilities is located on the stadium floor (accessed through the 38th Street parking lot), and on the upper level of the north and south sides (accessed through both east gates). Accessible/ disabled parking can be found in several locations surrounding the stadium. However, please be aware that accessible parking/seating is limited for an event of this size, so please arrive early. Gates open at 6 p.m.
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Candidates requiring assistance to access the graduate seating area or to cross the platform to receive their diploma covers should make arrangements by calling the Office of Student Development at (580) 581-2209 no later than May 1.
The university has provided several seating sections for guests, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A section on the east end of the stadium floor is designated for guests unable to negotiate stairs. Guests needing access to this area should enter the stadium through the northwest gate and proceed along the stadium floor in front of the north stands to the roped off seating. Additional ADA designated seating on the upper levels of the stadium is accessible through the east gates. To ensure sufficient room for everyone, seating in these areas is limited to the guest and one escort. Commencement volunteers can direct you to these areas.
Photography
The stadium field is restricted to graduates, university staff and those in designated disabled seating. Guests are free to take photographs from the stands, but may not enter the field until after the ceremony.
Professional photographs will be taken as graduates receive their diploma covers and as they leave the stage. Proofs will be available online, allowing graduates to order products and packages. A link to each grad’s personal gallery will be sent via email and text shortly after the ceremony. All transactions are between Candid Color Photography and individual candidates; Cameron is not involved in the billing or collecting of monies.
Proofs can be viewed online at www.oklahomapartypics.com. Questions can be sent via e-mail to ccpcustomerservice@candid.com, or by phone at (405) 951-7300.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located in the southeast and northeast corners of the stadium just inside the gates. Portable restrooms are also located outside the west end of the stadium behind the fieldhouse.
BEGINNING AND END OF CEREMONY
Commencement will begin with a ceremonial salute from "Big Ollie II," the Cameron University ROTC battalion's ceremonial howitzer, and it will end with an impressive fireworks display. Please be prepared - and plan accordingly - for these loud and sudden noises, which some spectators may find disconcerting. After the fireworks conclude, you are free to leave.
DRONES RESTRICTED
CU’s stadium lies in restricted airspace because of its proximity to Comanche County Memorial Hospital’s helipad. The flying of drones is prohibited without Federal Aviation Administration approval.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Share your graduation experiences by tagging posts and photos with #CU24GRADS.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of a gentle spring rain, Commencement will still take place at Cameron Stadium on Friday, May 3, and ponchos will be provided for graduates. Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly. Umbrellas are prohibited so that everyone has an unobstructed view of their graduate.
In the event of severe weather on Friday evening, Commencement will be rescheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, in Cameron Stadium. However, if the severe weather continues into Saturday morning, two separate ceremonies (detailed below) will be held in Aggie Gymnasium.
Candidates will be assigned to one of the ceremonies based on their degree. The time of your ceremony (either 10 a.m. or noon) will be noted on your graduate name card. Candidates should gather in the Administration Building prior to their specific ceremony. If Commencement is held in Aggie Gym, each graduate is limited to four guests due to space limitations.
A 10 a.m. ceremony will be held for graduates with degrees in the Departments of Business (including Organizational Leadership); Education; Military Science; and Psychology. This will include all candidates for master’s degrees. Candidates should assemble no later than 9:30 a.m. in the Administration Building. We ask that guests exit Aggie Gym as soon as possible after the ceremony so that guests for the noon Commencement may be seated.
A noon ceremony will be held for graduates in the Departments of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences; Art, Music and Theatre Arts; Chemistry, Physics and Engineering; Communication, English and Foreign Languages; Computing and Mathematical Sciences; Social Sciences; Sports and Exercise Science; and Interdisciplinary Studies. This group of candidates should assemble no later than 11:30 a.m. in the Administration Building. Guests may enter Aggie Gym at 11:30 a.m.
