Commencement 2025
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Commencement

Congratulations, graduates!

To all of our graduates, congratulations on achieving your academic goals! Your success is a shining example of the legacy of teaching and learning by our esteemed faculty and staff. It brings us immense joy to invite our guests to join in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of the graduating class of 2026 at the Central State University Commencement.

The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed at the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/CentralState87

https://www.youtube.com/CentralState87 
 

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Important dates

Honors College Ceremony

Thursday, May 7 | 4:00 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center

Honors College graduates who complete the required curriculum for the Honors College will be recognized at the Honors College Ceremony.

For those who cannot attend the Honors College Ceremony, the following pick-up times are available. 

  • 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11 - Friday, May 15, Honors College (Building 38)

Baccalaureate Ceremony

Friday, May 15 | 5 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center Auditorium

Speaker
TBD

Baccalaureate Reception

Friday, May 15 | 6:30 p.m.
University Student Center Ballroom

Commencement Rehearsal

Friday, May 15 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Auditorium

Commencement Check-In

Saturday, May 16 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.

Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Lobby

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 a.m.
William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium
Tickets not required.

McPherson Stadium opens at 9 a.m. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

In the case of inclement weather, three indoor locations will be open beginning at 7 a.m. for satellite viewing. They include the auditoriums in Charles S. Smith Hall College of Business, Joshua I. Smith Center for Education and Natural Sciences, and Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center.

Speaker

TBD

 

 

Candidates for Graduation

Commencement 2025

Gold Cord Honors

Gold Cord Honors are awarded to graduating seniors with cumulative grade point averages of 3.50 or above who have no “D”, “F”, “FZ”, or “Z” grades or repeated courses as of the 2025 Fall semester.

Pickup times and locations for cords 

  • 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 15, Office of the Registrar, Ward Center
  • 8:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Saturday, May 16, Office of the Registrar, Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Lobby
     

Academic distinctions

Graduating seniors who meet the following criteria will receive recognition on their transcripts:  

  • Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or higher cumulative GPA for all work completed
  • Magna Cum Laude - 3.75-3.89 cumulative GPA for all work completed
  • Cum Laude - 3.60-3.74 cumulative GPA for all work completed
     

Regalia information

Regalia must be ordered by April 22 to ship to you home address and March 31 ship to the CSU Bookstore by visiting https://oakhallcg.com/pages/centralstate.  The Central State University Bookstore will take orders in person from March 1 through May 16, 2026.

If you have questions, please contact the Central State University Bookstore at 937-376-6123.
 

 

Guest information

Accessibility accommodations for family and guests

  • We understand that finding accessible parking can be challenging at times. Please note that accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid permanent or temporary handicap tag/placard or license plate from any state is required. We want to ensure that everyone has equal access to the parking spaces they need, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee reserved parking.

    We recommend arriving early to increase the chances of finding a spot.
     

  • 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 or other mobility device.

    Accessible seating is located at the entry level in front of the bleachers on the press box side of the stadium. Please limit the accessible seating area to one companion per person so that 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 provided by the University.

     

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

  • Restrooms are available in Charles S. Smith Hall College of Business, Madison W. Beacom / Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium, and McPherson Stadium. 

  • While the University cannot guarantee a chemical-free environment, please avoid wearing strongly scented products due to possible chemical sensitivity of others.

Travel

Airports

  • Dayton International Airport, Dayton, Ohio, is located approximately 35 minutes from Central State University.
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Hebron, Kentucky, is located approximately one hour and 15 minutes from Central State University.
  • John Glenn International Airport, Columbus, Ohio, is located approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Central State University.
     

Hotels

Guests have several options for hotels in the area.