Otterbein Undergraduate and Graduate School Commencement Information

Where is the Celeste Center at The Ohio Expo Center located?
717 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211. This address is just north of downtown Columbus, with access from I-71 via the 17th Avenue exit.

Where can I get my honor cords?
Honor cords are distributed by different departments on campus. Not all departments have honor cords or stoles. If you have questions about where to get a departmental cord, please contact your department administrator. Students eligible for the Five Cardinal Experiences cords can pick up their items at the Grad Fair on Wednesday, April 9.

We are excited to welcome you to Othe area! If you need overnight accommodations for your visit, you’ll find a variety of hotels conveniently located near campus.

The Renaissance Westerville-Polaris (1.5 miles)
Otterbein Commencement “Neighborhood” Reservations >

Contact Information:
Address: 409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, OH 43082
Phone: 614-882-6800
Hotel Website >

We are excited to welcome you to Otterbein’s campus. If you need overnight accommodations for your visit to Otterbein, you’ll find a variety of hotels conveniently located near campus.

Westerville Hotels

Nearby Hotels

Note: Otterbein does not in any way endorse these businesses, products, or services. This listing is provided as a resource only and are subject to change.

Part of an enjoyable event experience is ensuring you understand your parking options and that you have the opportunity to plan for your family’s unique circumstances.

The Ohio Expo Center can accommodate a large number of guests with parking available for more than 12,000 vehicles. All parking operations are conducted by SP+.

To allow all of our guests to have a pleasant arrival and departure, we ask guests to honor the following:

• Parking at the Expo Center is $7 for a one-time entry. Price subject to change.
• If possible, we ask that you consider traveling with your family or guests. Doing so ensures that the majority of guests will be able to park within a short distance of the venue.
• Handicap parking is available on a first come first served basis.
• As we will be welcoming many guests to campus throughout the weekend, we ask that guests please arrive no earlier than one hour before the scheduled ceremony and that you plan to depart no later than one hour after your ceremony’s conclusion.

Please note, the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds is in the middle of a construction project slated for completion by summer 2026 or earlier. The facility is working hard to minimize impacts on events. Please continue to check this website for further updates as the construction finalizes as parking routes may change and special messaging may be noted (and emailed) with day of things to consider.

Grad Images will take each graduate’s picture as they cross the stage. A proof and order form will be mailed by the latter part of May.

According to Grad Images, all orders received by June 1 will be fulfilled and delivered by July 1. Late orders will be accepted until Dec. 31. You are under no obligation to purchase the pictures or respond to the Grad Images correspondence. Grad Images may be contacted via their website or at 1-800-261-2576.

To enhance public safety and expedite entry into the venue, a clear bag policy is in effect for our event. This policy limits the size and type of bags permitted inside the venue. Please be aware that guests are subject to visual inspection of person, bags, and clothing capable of concealing prohibited items.

Approved Bags

Each guest may bring one (1) of the following:

• One clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″, OR
• One one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)

In addition, guests may carry one small clutch or wallet, with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″.

Exceptions for medically necessary items and diaper bags will be made following proper inspection by security personnel.

All bags are subject to search upon entry. Prohibited bags will not be stored at the venue; guests will be required to return them to their vehicles or discard them.

Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted inside the venue. This list is not all-inclusive and may be updated at the discretion of venue management or security:

• Bags that do not meet clear bag policy guidelines (including backpacks, briefcases, coolers, cinch bags, luggage, large camera bags, etc.) will be asked to bring back to their vehicle.
• Weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, mace, pepper spray, brass knuckles, etc.)
• Outside food and beverages
• Alcohol, illegal drugs, or other prohibited substances
• Glass containers, cans, or hard-sided coolers
• Noisemakers (horns, whistles, cowbells, etc.)
• Laser pointers
• Banners or signs larger than 11″ x 17″, or any that obstruct views or contain offensive language
• Sticks, poles, or pipes
• Aerosol cans
• Skateboards, roller skates, hoverboards, or similar items
• Balloons
• Seats that clamp to bleachers
• Folding chairs
• Sticks
• Poles

Guests arriving with prohibited items will be asked to remove them from the venue or dispose of them. Failure to comply with the bag policy or prohibited items list may result in denied entry or ejection from the event.