by Karsyn Hunter.
As the fall semester comes to an end, OBU students are busy preparing for final exams and next year’s classes. Meanwhile, December OBU graduates are getting ready not only for the ceremony itself but also for the new chapter that awaits them after graduation. This preparation is more than just showing up. It takes many steps and protocols to ensure that students are on the right track to graduate. From paying graduation fees to picking up caps and gowns, graduates have several important tasks to complete before they can officially walk on the stage.
The first thing to do for OBU December graduates is that they need to apply for graduation. This is important because it allows the admissions office to be able to review the student’s transcript and be able to confirm whether they are on the right track for graduation in December or not. Once this important task is done, students can move on to the next steps to prepare for graduation.
Next OBU December graduates need to make sure they pay their fifty-dollar graduation fee. This fee helps OBU cover the cost of the ceremony, make diplomas, and other expenses that will make the ceremony happen successfully. Without this fee, graduates are not allowed to walk in the ceremony, so this is a priority on the list of to do’s.
On Bison Hill, chapel credits are an indicator of whether a student can graduate or not. Each semester, OBU students are required to complete 12 chapel credits. Those who begin as freshmen must earn a total of 96 chapel credits over four years, while transfer students, or those graduating early, are required to complete 12 chapel credits for each semester they attend OBU.
Therefore, meeting with the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Campus Life/Dean of Students, Sharon Eulberg, to check if you are on the right track for your chapel credits is crucial. Eulberg encourages students to, “Check the iAttended app for chapel credits,” to make sure they meet all graduation requirements.
Next is checking with the Bursar’s office and financial aid office.
At OBU the people to talk to would be Tom Rowell and Melissa Scott. This step in the process ensures that students have no unpaid tuition, fees, or holds that would prohibit them from graduating.
“Before graduation, review your account balance in Self-Service Banner, complete loan exit counseling, and contact Student Financial Services with any questions to ensure a smooth transition,” Student Financial Services Counselor, Grace Randolph, advised. Once students have met with the Bursar’s and Financial Aid offices, and any outstanding balances or holds have been cleared, they are officially cleared to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive their diploma. After completing these steps, students can move on to the exciting part of graduation: preparing their graduation attire.
OBU partners with Jostens to give graduates the perfect attire for their ceremony. Although students are required to order the cap and gown in black because of OBU’s dress requirements, they are allowed to customize their own stole. This is an exciting way for students to express themselves and their interests on graduation day while still looking unified. “Getting to customize my own stole was such a great experience. It made graduation feel even more personal and meaningful,” OBU Alumn, Kenedy Houchin said. Not only does Jostens supply the regalia, but they also give students the option to order and customize their class ring. Once their attire and class rings are ready, students can look forward to stepping onto the stage and marking this milestone with family, friends, and classmates.
The easiest and final step is to show up! This year, December graduation is going to be held at OBU in the RAWC. The ceremony will take place on December 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Guests can start taking their seats at 12:45 p.m. and everyone should be seated by 1:45 p.m. Graduates are asked to arrive a little earlier, by 12:30 p.m., at The Mabee Suite on the second floor of the Noble Complex. Graduates must show up with their cap, gown, cords, and hoods. At 1:50 p.m.
Graduates will walk from the Noble Complex to the RAWC together, and into the RAWC. With all the preparation complete, December graduates can look forward to celebrating their accomplishments, walking across the stage, and sharing this special moment with family, friends, and classmates. Graduation marks all the long and hard years of work and dedication, and for OBU’s seniors, it’s not just an ending; it’s the beginning of a new chapter full of possibilities.
