By Kyle Wallace, Staff Writer
Logistics of the commencement ceremonies have yet to be announced to students expecting to graduate because of a personnel change in academic affairs.
“I see signs about graduation, but I’ve never had it explained to me exactly what I need to do,” said Brady Bieber, economics and finance senior.
Academic affairs is the department responsible for graduation, but it is typically coordinated by the assistant director of academic affairs and a committee of other staff members.
Dorothy Tennery, former assistant director, left in June 2014 after spending more than 11 years in academic affairs and overseeing the commencement ceremony.
Pam Bobier, who formerly served as the executive assistant to the dean of the Petree College of Arts and Sciences, assumed the duties of assistant director in July 2014.
This year’s commencement ceremonies will be the first time Bobier has planned the event.
“We want to have a memorable graduation for our students and their families,” Bobier said.
Students wishing to participate in May commencement ceremonies must submit an application for graduation by Feb. 27 to the registrar, unless they plan to attend Gateway to Graduation on March 9 or 10.
Anyone graduating in December who wishes to participate in the May commencement must contact academic affairs for a special application and submit it by the same deadlines.
Gateway to Graduation is an event hosted by the OCU Campus Store aimed at giving graduating students access to all departments they may need to consult with all in one place.
Departments in attendance at Gateway include the registrar’s office, career services and student account services. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 9 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 10 in the Shdeed Lounge in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
Graduation will take place May 9 in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
The undergraduate ceremony will occur at 11 a.m., with the graduate ceremony to follow at 3 p.m. Baccalaureate will precede the ceremonies at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary of Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.
Officials have not chosen speakers for the events.
For more information on commencement ceremonies visit www.okcu.edu/commencement.
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