The time for seniors to prepare for graduation is right around the corner. Otterbein’s graduating class of 2022 is encouraged to attend this year’s Grad Fair on Wednesday, April 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Campus Center.
The Grad Fair is where seniors pick up resources they may need prior to graduation (such as their cap and gown), get any financial aid questions answered and receive final reminders before graduation.
“It’s a one-stop shop where seniors can have all the resources they need in one place before they walk across the stage,” said Matthew D’Oyly, Director of Events and Conferences.
There will be tables of different offices represented for anything seniors could potentially have questions about, including Jostens, the company providing caps and gowns.
“Jostens will be there to help with anything else they need for commencement,” D’Oyly said. “It’s that resource for them. It’s a party for them to make sure they have everything taken care of.”
At the fair, students should check in with David Schneider, the University registrar, to assure their graduation status.
“What my office does is we always touch base with every student who thinks they’re graduating, just to make sure that they’ve applied to graduate and have gotten our approval and everything’s on track,” Schneider said.
If seniors are unable to afford the materials that they will pick up at the Grad Fair, the Otterbein University Student Government provides a grant to cover that full cost. Additionally, there is a pass-down program that happens on the day of commencement coordinated by the Center for Student Involvement, where students receive previous classes’ caps and gowns said D’Oyly.
“Otterbein University Student Government’s executive team traditionally votes to allocate Student Life Fee funds to help members of the Promise House afford their cap and gown,” OUSG President Joseline Martinez-Cortez said. “The CSI coordinates with the Promise House so that their members can register for this resource.”
"This year, the full package—cap, gown, and tassel—for a student getting their bachelor’s degree is $60.95," said Assistant Bookstore Manager Rachel Nitman. The price for a master’s degree package costs $109.95, including a hood indicating their specific major.
"The entire graduating class of 2022 is welcome," said D’Oyly. Students can be entered in a drawing for a free diploma frame if they get enough signatures from the two booths that will be present at the fair.
