Congratulations Graduates!Evening of Recognition
AMPLIFY. ADVOCATE. CHANGE.
Hosted by the College of Social Work, the Evening of Recognition is an annual event that celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of our graduation candidates who are earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from The Ohio State University. The Evening of Recognition will be held on Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive, Columbus, OH 43210.
Any graduate who attends Evening of Recognition will be recognized as they walk across the stage.
For Master’s level, the names of those who have graduated in Summer 2025, Autumn 2025, or will graduate Spring 2026 will be printed in the program. Due to the process at the University graduate level, the College of Social Work is unable to print names in the program of students who will be graduating in future semesters. Names of MSW graduating students in SU26, AU26 will be printed in EOR 2027.
For Bachelor’s level, those who will be graduating Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Autumn 2026 will be recognized during this ceremony and names will be printed in the program.
Please note diplomas will be awarded to Spring 2025 graduates at Ohio State’s Spring Commencement on Sunday, May 10. Visit commencement.osu.edu for details.
Live Stream
For those who are unable to attend in person, we will have a live streaming option available here. The direct link will be available as we move closer to the event date.
About Evening of Recognition
Friday, May 8, 6 – 8 p.m.
More details will be provided in the future as we get closer to the event date.
Registration
Registration will open in the future as we get closer to the event date.
If your guests require accommodations for seating, the venue will provide this on site when your guests enter. They will be greeted by Red Coats who will meet their seating needs. This does not need to be indicated ahead of time. If you have any questions, you can review the venue’s accessibility information here. Depending on the specific accommodation, your guests do NOT need to fill out any forms, but you can contact the venue if you have any questions.
Pre-Ceremony
All graduation candidates will wear proper academic regalia.
- Undergraduate and master’s caps, hoods and gowns may be purchased from the Ohio State Bookstore (Barnes & Noble: 1598 N. High St.).
- PhD caps, hoods and gowns may be purchased or rented at Ohio State Bookstores only.
- BSSW graduates wear a citron tassel, MSW graduates wear a black tassel, and PhD graduates wear gray.
- BSSW graduates will receive their Latin Honors cords at rehearsal or at the event.
- MSW graduates will be hooded on stage.
- PhD graduates will be hooded on stage.
- Students are welcome to wear additional stoles and chords with their regalia.
During the Ceremony
The College of Social Work will live stream the ceremony for family members unable to attend in person, please see the link provided above.
Graduate names will be announced as they cross the stage. MSW students will be “hooded” on stage.
Names will be called according to where graduates are seated, not alphabetically.
The auditorium is wheelchair accessible, but please indicate if you will need accessible seating when you RSVP.
Guests should remain seated until after the graduates process out of the venue.
Photography
A professional photographer will take your picture for purchase. Everyone will be photographed.
Proofs can be ordered online within a few days of the ceremony. You will complete a “Reader Card” at the Evening of Recognition with your email address and mailing address. Providing this information is voluntary.
The Ohio State University Bookstore offers a College of Social Work diploma frame that features a cherry finish frame, color medallion of the university seal, red and black mats, and silver beaded detail. If you’d like to learn more or make a purchase, visit The Ohio State University Bookstore, Barnes & Noble.
Post-Ceremony–Dinner and Hotel Planning
Due to numerous university, college and organizational events and activities scheduled throughout the weekend, we encourage you and your guests to secure dining reservations and hotel accommodations prior to or following the Evening of Recognition if desired. Water stations will be set up in the venue; no pre- or post-ceremony event is being planned by the college.
Bag Policy and Venue Information
Bags or purses of any size are NOT permitted into the facilities. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5”x8”x1” are permitted. All items and persons entering our facilities are subject to security screening and inspection.
Guests entering with medical, dietary or childcare needs may bring a bag approximately 14″x14″x4″ with necessary belongings. These bags are subject to security screening and inspection.
For more information about required policies, accommodations and more, please visit the Ohio State Athletics Facilities Policies website.
The Ohio State University Spring Commencement Ceremony – May 10
Information regarding Ohio State’s Autumn Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 21, or Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 10, can be found at commencement.osu.edu. If you are requesting your diploma as you will not be attending commencement, please visit this webpage.
You will find ceremony details, parking recommendations and FAQs – including where to pick up your diploma or how to request a mailing if you’re unable to attend.
Please regularly check this website for updates. Please frequently check your Buckeyemail.OSU.edu account for emails and newsletters sent by your Academic Program Offices who will be communicating updates consistently.
For questions not addressed on this website or provided by the Academic Program Offices, please contact Regina Prince, event manager.