Ohio State offers information for graduates and guests - 06/06/03

Actor and disabilities activist Christopher Reeve will deliver the commencement address at Ohio State’s spring ceremony on Friday (6/13) in Ohio Stadium. Approximately 5,600 graduates will receive their degrees at commencement.

The Ceremony
Graduates assemble in the French Field House. The Class Processional leaves French Field House at 9:10 a.m. and moves into Ohio Stadium at 9:30 a.m. Guests must remain in the stands and off the field throughout the ceremony.

It is a long-standing tradition at Ohio State for graduates to personally receive their diplomas from their deans. With the exception of the Ph.D.s, graduates’ names are not read as diplomas are awarded. After the singing of Carmen Ohio, the graduates will move to the diploma boxes on the field and receive their diplomas. Graduates then proceed to the south end of Ohio Stadium and disperse outside. Graduates and guests should prearrange a meeting place outside of the stadium.

Parking
Due to expected heavy traffic in the area, motorist not attending commencement should avoid the campus area on Friday morning.

·Road closures and restrictions
Due to construction of the Lane Avenue bridge, Lane Avenue is closed at Olentangy River Road.
Due to road construction, High Street is narrowed to two lanes between 9th and Chittenden.
On campus, Woody Hayes Drive is narrowed on both sides of the bridge spanning the Olentangy River.
Commencement guests should avoid the Medical Center area since construction projects around the area are severely restricting parking and necessitating a number of detours.

·Guest parking
Guests are strongly encouraged to park on West Campus and use the shuttle service. The West Campus lots are on Carmack Road, which is west of Kenny Road between Lane Avenue and Kinnear Road. Carmack Road is also accessible south of Lane Avenue between North Star and Kenny roads.

Some guest parking will be available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis in the permit zones beyond Ohio Stadium, the surface lots on the Agriculture campus and near Sisson Hall, and the Buckeye lots near the Schottenstein Center. Guests may also park for free in the Arps, Northwest and Ohio Union Garages.

Traffic on Woody Hayes Drive will be restricted from approximately 9 to 9:30 a.m. to allow for the graduates’ procession from French Field House to Ohio Stadium.

A map is at http://www.tp.ohio-state.edu/quickpost/springcommencement/commencement2003parkinginformation.html

·Commencement shuttles
Shuttle buses will run continuously from the Mount Hall loop on West Campus to the Sisson Hall footbridge and back continuously from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

·Disability Parking
Disability parking is located in the East and West Stadium lots. An Ohio handicap placard or a Commencement disability permit is required.

Security
·Certain items are prohibited in Ohio Stadium
Neither graduates nor guests are permitted to bring coolers, backpacks, large handbags, chair-back seats, mace or similar substances, or weapons of any type. Items that are permitted include cameras, video recorders, uncased binoculars, small handbags, pagers, cell phones, seat cushions, and clothes for weather conditions.

Stadium facilities
Ohio Stadium opens at 7 a.m. commencement morning. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

·Disability Seating
Ohio Stadium provides easy access for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. Seating for those guests is located at entry level and throughout the stadium. Guests in wheelchairs, as well as those unable to climb stairs, and one companion are permitted in these areas. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present during the ceremony. Due to space limitations, we ask that only one other person be seated with the guest in the designated area.

Inclement Weather
·Rain in the forecast
If it is raining or rain is forecast, come prepared with appropriate rain gear. Ponchos, raincoats, and something to cover wet seats are advised. Umbrellas are not permitted. If weather conditions are uncertain, listen to local radio stations for updates.

·Severe weather
If there is heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornado watch/warning, or other weather severe enough to delay or cancel the ceremony, instructions will be announced on site to graduates and guests. If cancellation is required, diplomas will be distributed in the French Field House and other campus locations, as noted in the commencement program.

If commencement cannot be held in Ohio Stadium due to inclement weather, the ceremony will be canceled. No indoor facility on campus is large enough to accommodate the graduating class and 40,000 guests.

It is advised that guests and graduates prearrange a meeting place in case the ceremony is cancelled. Guests will not be admitted to French Field House. Suggested meeting sites include St. John Arena, Larkins Hall, Drake Union, and various locations on West Lane Avenue.