Graduation

Fisher does not hold a separate undergraduate commencement ceremony. Fisher students participate in Ohio State’s university commencement.

Fisher hosts its annual Graduation Celebration each spring, where graduating students can enjoy refreshments, decorate their graduation caps, receive a Fisher-branded graduate gift and participate in activities such as Pie a Professor, which supports the senior class scholarship fund.

If your family members are traveling from outside the United States, they may need documentation to support their visa application. The university’s Office of International Affairs provides guidance and a process for requesting an official invitation letter. Visit this page for instructions and requirements.

Your line number will be sent to your Ohio State email during week 14 of your graduating term, along with final commencement details.

During your final semester, Fisher's Graduation Services team will send important updates to your Ohio State email. Messages are typically sent during weeks 4, 8, 12 and 14. Review each message carefully and complete any required actions.

To review how your name will appear on your diploma and make changes if necessary, follow the steps below. 

1. Go to Buckeyelink.
2. Select Personal Information then Diploma Name.
3. If your name needs to be changed, follow the directions to do so. This link will be available through the tenth week of the term in which you have applied to graduate.

Note that changes to the name on your diploma are not official record changes. The name entered will only be used for printing the diploma and the commencement program. Transcripts and enrollment verification will continue to use your primary name. If you need to update your primary name, please complete a Request for Change of Record Change of Record by the end of the 10th week before commencement.

Questions? Email FCOB-graduation@osu.edu

Your graduation application must be submitted by the 10th Friday of your graduating term. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.

Send an email to Fisher's Graduation Services team as soon as possible for assistance. 

Specializations, minors and second majors appear on your transcript, not your diploma. If you see that a specialization, minor or second major is not listed, or if you are dropping one, email Fisher's Graduation Services team.

Students completing a minor or second major (M2) outside of Fisher must submit the appropriate form(s) as part of their graduation application, including the Minor Form and/or Second Major (M2) Form.

If you are earning a second degree (dual degree) from another college at the university, please know that all dual degrees require extra hours and coursework to be completed. Review dual degree vs. second major rules and instructions at go.osu.edu/gradapp-dualinfo. You must submit a graduation application with your other college of enrollment to ensure you are good for your other degree as well.  For questions, email Fisher's Graduation Services team.

All transfer credit completed before your final semester must be posted to your Ohio State account by week 7 of your graduating term.

If you are completing transfer credit during your final semester, email Fisher's Graduation Services team  so it can be recorded correctly and your graduation processed on time.

When ordering a transcript, request electronic delivery to Ohio State and follow these instructions for submitting transfer credit.

Taking credit at Columbus State Community College your last term? See the Early Grade Release instructions.

If you are unable to attend the official commencement ceremony, fill out the following form and email it to Fisher's Graduation Services team.

Commencement Ceremony Excused Form

If you successfully complete all requirements for an eligible Fisher honors program, you will graduate "with honors" and receive the designation on your diploma. Contact a Fisher honors advisor if you have questions.

Undergraduate students may be granted Latin honors for exceptional achievement in the curriculum of a college or school. Students must earn a minimum of 60 credit hours of Ohio State of letter graded coursework and have the following cumulative GPA:

• 3.5-3.69: Cum Laude
  3.7-3.89: Magna Cum Laude
  3.9-4.00: Summa Cum Laude

If you do not see Latin honors on your record even though you have the GPA, check your number of earned hours at the university.

If your GPA goes up your final semester, your diploma and permanent record will show the change and you can wear honors cords. However, the commencement program is printed before the final grades are in and will only reflect any Latin honors determined in the previous semester.

• Each student is assigned a number, called a “line number” for the ceremony. The purpose of this is so that all students walk in and are seated in the correct order for the ceremony, so that they are handed the correct diploma.
• You must stay in your place in line and walk quickly when your line moves so everyone remains in the correct order to receive the right diploma.
• Individual names are not called for undergraduates during the ceremony.
• Diplomas will be handed out by a Fisher staff member or Fisher’s Dean.
• Each diploma is in a red padded case, but it is put in a white envelope with your given name printed in black marker on the outside. 
• When diplomas are being given out, you must listen for or say your given name so that you are handed the right diploma. 
  • Example: If your first name is Andrew but you go by Drew or your middle name, you need to be ready to say and hear Andrew.
  • Example: If your first name is Zuojing but you go by Andrew at the University, you need to be ready to say and hear Zuojing

If you are a graduate with a permanent or temporary disability, contact the Commencement Office at 614-292-9051.