2024 Commencement Ceremony

We are excited to hold our 2024 Commencement ceremony in person on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Oakland University Athletics Center O'rena. On behalf of the OCC Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, congratulations! We look forward to celebrating this great achievement with you.

Join the Celebration!

Key Dates 

Now: Apply to graduate
April 15: Apply to graduate by this day and you can participate in the Commencement Ceremony and your name will be listed in the program.
April 16 to May 11: If you apply to graduate during this period, you can still participate in Commencement, but there is no guarantee your name will be in the program. 
Saturday, May 18: OCC Commencement Ceremony

Note: All Communication regarding OCC’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony will be sent to your OCC email address, so be sure to check it often.

Commencement Ceremony Assignment

Two commencement ceremonies will be held at 10 am and at 2 pm. You’ll participate in the commencement ceremony based on your degree / certificate program. Check your Self-Service account under My Progress to see your degree or certificate.  

Students receiving more than one degree or certificate who are eligible to attend either ceremony will be assigned the 10 a.m. ceremony. 

Ceremony Time  Graduates in Attendance
10 am

Graduates receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS or AASX) or a Certificate (CT) excluding Transfer Studies Certificate (TRS.CT)

  • 9 am - 9:20 am Graduates check in at the OU Rec Center, which is connected to the OU O'rena.
  • 9 am - Doors open to the OU O'rena for Guest of Graduates
2 pm

Graduates receiving any of the following degrees or the Transfer Studies Certificate (TRS.CT):

  • Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Associate in Business Administration (ABA)
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS)
  • Associate in Science (ASC)
  • Transfer Studies Certificate (TRS.CT)
  • 1 pm - 1:20 pm Graduates check in at the OU Rec Center, which is connected to the OU O'rena.
  • 1 pm - Doors open to the OU O'rena for Guest of Graduates

Tickets

The O’rena has limited seating. You will be issued four (4) tickets for your guests.  

  • Tickets will be available starting April 1 at the OCC bookstores, and color-coded for the 10 am and the 2 pm ceremonies.
  • Tickets will be distributed at the campus bookstores until Friday May 10. Please plan to personally pick up your tickets. You will be asked to show appropriate ID. Sorry, tickets will not be mailed.
  • Distribution of tickets will be subject to bookstore hours. On Fridays, campus bookstores close at 2 pm, including the day before the ceremony.
  • All guest must enter through the main entrance of the O'rena.

Additional Tickets May Be Available: On Monday, May 13 and Tuesday May 14, any remaining tickets will be made available at the campus bookstores. Available tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. No more than six (6) additional tickets will be distributed per graduate. May 14 is the last day that tickets will be available. 

Ceremony Gown/Adornments

  • Purchase your cap/gown/tassel at a campus bookstore April 1 through May 15. Bookstores close at 2 pm on Friday, including the day before the commencement ceremony.  
  • Honor cords, veteran cords, stoles and separate pieces (cap, gown, or tassel) are also available at a campus bookstore for your convenience.

Commencement Photos

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, contact:

Diploma Information

For information regarding your diploma, contact Enrollment Services.

Get Social!

We’ll be sharing YOUR pictures and videos leading up to the commencement ceremony and all day on May 20. There are many ways to get involved:

  • Follow our Facebook page to watch the ceremonies live: 
  • Share your graduation story on social media
  • Get creative and decorate your graduation cap
  • Take pictures in your cap and gown
    … and share it all with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #OCCGrad2024 and tagging @OCCollege.

Keep in Touch

Keep in touch with your OCC family. Let us know about your accolades and triumphs. Good luck and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. 

OCC Alumni: Begin Your Tradition

Our graduates tell us how grateful they are for the help they received as students. You may have had encouragement from an outstanding instructor, received guidance from a trustworthy counselor, or been awarded a scholarship to pay for classes from the OCC Foundation.

As you enter a new chapter in your life as OCC alumni, what impact will you have on the next generation of students at OCC? Consider beginning a tradition of giving back: Honor the person who helped you most at OCC with a gift to the Student Success Fund, or support a scholarship for students in your program of study by giving online.

For more information: (248) 341-2137 or OCCFoundation@oaklandcc.edu

Contact Information

Auburn Hills
Anne Palmer
Phone: (248) 232-4136

Ordering (cap, gowns, etc.)
Auburn Hills Bookstore
Phone: (248) 232-4320

Orchard Ridge
Michelle Rodgers
Phone:  (248) 522-3510

Ordering (cap, gowns, etc.)
Orchard Ridge Bookstore
Phone:  (248) 522-3420

Highland Lakes 
Pam Micallef
Phone: (248) 341-2270

Royal Oak/Southfield
Kim Combs
Phone:  (248) 246-2611

Ordering (caps, gowns, etc.)
Royal Oak Bookstore
Phone:  (248) 246-2420

Disability Assistance
Michelle McLane
Phone: (248) 522-3481

For the hearing impaired,
please use Michigan Relay
Phone: (800) 649-3777

Co-Chairs
Steve Linden
Ken Faulk