Two girls wearing graduation regalia standing in front of Hillcat sign.

Rogers State University’s 112th Commencement

Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Claremore Expo Center

College of Professional Studies
10 a.m. (students arrive by 9:15 a.m.)
Live YouTube Stream

College of Arts and Sciences
1:30 p.m. (students arrive by 12:45 p.m.)
Live YouTube Stream

Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Friday, May 10, 2024
3 – 5 p.m. | First Baptist Church, Claremore, OK

What to Expect During Commencement

When you arrive, stop by front office at expo and pick up your photo card and announcer information card. If you have not completed these 2 cards, you will need to fill them out prior to lining up. Arrive at the expo center dressed in your cap and gown and lined up 45 minutes before your assigned ceremony.

  • Fill out the YELLOW photo card
  • As you proceed to the ramp, hand your YELLOW CARD to the staff member
  • You will also fill out a WHITE Announcer Info Card, hand this card to Dr. Hugh Foley, Announcer for Presentation of Graduates

Diplomas are typically mailed to graduates within 8-10 weeks of the commencement ceremony. To ensure you receive your diploma, make sure all holds have been cleared from your account. Holds may be for transcripts, immunizations, bursar, library, etc. If you do not receive your diploma by the end of the 10-week period, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 918-343-7552.

Commencement photos will be taken during the ceremony at the Claremore Expo Center by Candid Color Photography. Portraits will be available to order online within 24 hours after the event

How to Dress for Commencement

Undergraduate Degrees:

  • Bachelor’s Degree – Black Cap and Gown
  • Associates Degree/Certificates – Silver Cap and Gown
  • Summa Cum Laude – Blue Stole
  • Magna Cum Laude – Red Stole
  • Cum Laude – White Stole 
  • College of Professional Studies – Red Tassel
  • College of Arts & Sciences – Navy Tassel

Graduate Degrees:

  • Black Cap and gown with oblong sleeves and hood
  • MBA – Drab tassel and hood with red and navy
  • MSCC – Light blue tassel and hood with red and navy

Special Accommodations Request

If you or a family member require special accommodations, please complete the Commencement Accessibility form or contact Disability Services at 918-343-6828.

Family & Guests

Congratulations on the graduation of your family member! We are so happy to celebrate this day with you. Due to limited seating, if a large group would like to sit together, it is advisable for the entire group to arrive at the Claremore Expo Center early to secure seats. Guest admission requires a ticket. All seats will be general admission.

Please be seated at least 10 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to begin. Once the processional has started you must wait to be seated until all graduates have been seated.

Law Enforcement Officers will be present throughout the entirety of the event for safety reasons. Please encourage family and friends to leave their bags in their locked car/at home, as security will be checking bags at entry.

Directions & Parking

All commencement attendees should park in the main parking lot (pdf) at the Expo Center. The Claremore Expo Center is located just down the hill from RSU’s campus. Follow the University Drive out the South entrance, take a right at the stop sign. The Claremore Expo Center will be on your left. 400 S. Veterans Pkwy Claremore, OK 74017 918-342-5357

Fall & Summer Graduates

Students who complete their graduation requirements at the end of the previous summer or fall semester are invited to participate in commencement ceremonies. Those who are within ten hours of graduation at the end of spring and have enrolled in the needed courses for the summer semester are also invited to participate in commencement. Once all graduation requirements have been fulfilled by fall and summer degree candidates, the transcripts will be updated to include the degree conferred. Within 8-10 weeks, students should receive a diploma in the mail. Diplomas will indicate the actual date of degree completion.

Graduating Student Survey