2022 Commencement Ceremonies

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Baccalaureate Ceremony
Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center, Auditorium
Friday, May 13
5 p.m.
 
Baccalaureate Speaker

Dr. F. Erik Brooks
Central State University
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. F. Erik Brooks is the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Central State University. Prior to accepting this role at Ohio’s 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Dr. Brooks was a professor and dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the director of the Whitney Young Honors Collegium at Kentucky State University. He has been described as a renaissance man and a holistic academician having served on both the academic and student affairs components of the academy.

Dr. Brooks is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and his educational background is wide-ranging. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2002. He holds three Master’s degrees. Dr. Brooks earned a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from Troy State University in 1992, a Master of Public Administration from Auburn University Montgomery in 1998, and a Master of Education from Alabama State University in 1999. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Art from Troy State University in 1989.  

Baccalaureate Reception
University Student Center, Ballroom
Friday, May 13
6:30 p.m.

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Commencement Rehearsal
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Auditorium
Friday, May 13
10-Noon
 
Commencement Ceremony
McPherson Stadium
Saturday, May 14
9 a.m.
Note: No tickets are required.
 
Commencement Speaker

Major General John C. Harris, Jr.

The Adjutant General 
Ohio Army National Guard

Major General John C. Harris, Jr. is the Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Columbus Ohio. General Harris assumed these duties on January 14, 2019. Appointed by the Governor, State of Ohio, General Harris serves as the Governor's principal adviser on all National Guard procedures and is responsible for both federal and state missions. The Ohio National Guard consists of the Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio Air National Guard, Ohio Military Reserve, and Ohio Naval Militia, totaling more than 16,000 personnel.

General Harris began his military career in 1981 when he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard. He received a commission in 1984 through Officer Candidate School. He has commanded at the platoon, detachment, company, squadron, and JFHQ levels. Recent assignments include Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Chief of Staff (Joint Force Headquarters), Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (Joint Force Headquarters), and Commander of Task Force Lancer in Kosovo.

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Central State University
Accessibility Accommodations for Family and Guests

Accessible Parking

Disability accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid permanent or temporary handicap tag/placard or license plate from any state is required. Please plan to arrive early, as reserved parking is not guaranteed.

All Seating

McPherson Stadium opens at 8 a.m. on commencement day. All seating is on a first-arrived, first-seated basis. No tickets are required.

Accessibility Accommodations

McPherson Stadium provides easy access for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. Guests who experience limited mobility or difficulty walking long distances should consider bringing a wheelchair. Accessible seating is located at the entry-level in front of the bleachers on the Press Box side of the stadium. Please limit to one companion so we can accommodate everyone. 

If you need assistance finding seating, please see one of our volunteer ushers or security staff inside the stadium. No prior arrangements are necessary. Note: For the commencement ceremony, wheelchairs will not be available through the University.  

Interpreter Services

A Sign Language Interpreter, using American Sign Language (ASL), will be available during the ceremony. If you are unable to see the interpreter from your seat, please find a volunteer usher or security staff to assist you in finding a new seat. No prior arrangements are necessary.

Service Animals

Service Animals are allowed on campus. Anyone attending the ceremony with a service animal is expected to keep the animal under control at all times.  

Restrooms 

Restrooms will be available in the Charles S. Smith Hall, the Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium and in the McPherson Stadium.

Chemical Sensitivity 

Although the University cannot guarantee a chemical-free environment, some guests may be subject to chemical sensitivity. In consideration of others, please consider not wearing strongly scented products.

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Honors College Cords, Distinctions, and Designations

Pick Up Times and Location for cords and medallions:

Thursday, May 12, University Student Center, Hallway (in front of cafeteria), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, May 13, Robeson Hall, Auditorium (by the back windows), 8:30-9:50 a.m.
Friday, May 13, Robeson Hall, Foyer from 4-4:50 p.m.
***Students must show some form of ID to pick up items.

Gold Cord Honors 

Awarded to graduating seniors with a 3.5-4.0 cumulative GPA (any D or F grades make the student ineligible). 

Academic Distinctions 

Medallions awarded to graduating seniors, who meet the following criteria: 

    • Summa Cum Laude | 3.90 or higher cumulative GPA for all work completed 

    • Magna Cum Laude | 3.75 to 3.89 cumulative GPA for all work completed 

    • Cum Laude | 3.60 to 3.74 cumulative GPA for all work completed 

 
Honors Designations 

Medallions awarded to graduating honors college students who have completed the requirements for one or more of the following designations (multiple medallions are possible): 

    • General Honors 

    • Honors in the Major 

    • University Honors 

    • International Honors 

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Covid-19 Protocol
The University requires face covering for all commencement-related activities for everyone.