Weather Plans for Commencement

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR COMMENCEMENT

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State University officials have announced a 
plan to deal with heavy rain or other severe weather during 
spring quarter commencement June 12 in Ohio Stadium.  Spring 
graduates and their families are being advised that there is no 
indoor site large enough to accommodate the approximately 5,500 
graduates and 35,000 guests.  Every reasonable effort will be 
made to hold the event as planned, said Carol Ries, director of 
the Office of Commencement and Special Events.

In case of dangerous weather conditions, the ceremonies will 
be either delayed or canceled, and the graduates and guests will 
be notified in time to minimize confusion.  In the case of 
cancellation, diplomas will be distributed to the graduates at 
French Field House and other campus locations.  Guests will not 
be admitted to French Field House.

Last year, for the first time in 56 years, commencement had 
to be canceled just a few minutes after it began as a torrential 
rainstorm stalled over Columbus, drenching graduates, guests and 
the platform group, and shorting out the field microphones.

Be Prepared
If it is raining or rain is forecast, graduates and guests 
should come prepared with appropriate rain gear.  The ceremony 
will proceed in the rain if conditions are not severe.  Ponchos, 
raincoats and something to sit on in the wet bleachers are 
advised for guests.  Umbrellas are permitted in the stadium for 
commencement, though they are not allowed during athletic events.
Graduates will be provided clear plastic ponchos.

Stay Tuned
If, on June 12, there is any question of the weather 
conditions becoming severe, WOSU-AM (820 AM) radio will broadcast 
official updates on the status of commencement during its local 
newsbreaks on the hour and half-hour.  Other local radio and 
television stations also will be kept updated.  Beginning May 11, 
information will be available on a Web site: 
www.osu.edu/commence.html

Severe Weather
University officials will closely monitor the weather 
conditions with the National Weather Service and other agencies.  
If severe weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornado 
watch/warnings) is predicted for the early morning hours, the 
event may be delayed for up to one hour beyond its scheduled 
start time of 9:30 a.m.  If it appears that the severe weather 
will persist, the ceremony will be canceled.  If the ceremony 
must be canceled after it is under way, guests and graduates 
should follow the instructions as announced at the stadium.

Pre-Arrange a Meeting Spot
Graduates are advised to plan ahead with their families and 
other guests where they will meet after the ceremony.  This is 
particularly important in case of poor weather.  St. John Arena, 
Larkins Hall and Drake Union are among the nearby campus 
buildings which will be open and available as meeting places.

"We've had 120 spring commencements at Ohio State, and only 
twice has the weather forced us to cancel," Ries said.  "This is 
a very special event for the graduates, their families and 
guests, and the entire university community.  Cancellation is a 
last resort and a step we take only when the safety of our 
graduates and guests is at risk.  We hope that by publicizing the 
procedures the event will run smoothly for all."

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Contact: Ruth Gerstner, University Communications, (614) 292-8424