Celebrate the Inauguration of Capital's 18th President
Dr. Jared R. Tice

A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition and Purpose


Inauguration Week of Activities

April 6-12, 2026


The investiture of Jared Tice will be a defining highlight of a weeklong celebration honoring Capital University, formally conferring the responsibilities and traditions of the presidency. Together, the events will celebrate leadership, community, and the university’s shared commitment to the future.

New Capital Signature Pilsner Mug


If you missed the Faculty and Staff Social, or had such a great time you want to relive it, you can still join in the spirit! The new Capital signature Pilsner mug featured at the event is now available for purchase by faculty, staff, and students. It’s a great way to remember the evening and keep the celebration going.


Click here to purchase by April 21.


Don’t forget. the new Capital collaboration with Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall is on tap!

Students

176th Undergraduate Commencement at Capital


Capital will host its 176th Commencement Ceremony for undergraduate students with the following schedule and details.


Saturday, May 9


9 a.m.

Baccalaureate Service: Inter-denominational service held in Gloria Dei at Trinity Lutheran Seminary


11 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony: Undergraduate ceremony in the Capital Center, followed by a gate ceremony celebration on the front lawn


Extra Tickets for Undergraduate Commencement


Graduating students may now receive up to eight guest tickets for Commencement. Tickets will be available starting May 4 in the Student Community Engagement Office (Student Union). If you don’t need all of your tickets, please return extras so others can attend. Tickets may not be bought or sold.


Note: Tickets are not required for the May 6 graduate ceremony or the May 16 Seminary ceremony.


The May 2026 Commencement Ceremony for Capital University Law School will take place on Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m.at the Capital Center. Graduates will receive ticket information soon. If you have any questions about graduation, please contact lawcommencement@law.capital.edu

Grad Week Events! Celebrating the graduating class of 2026!


  • GradFest: Wednesday, May 6, at 4 p.m., Plaza Mound Street
  • Senior Spaghetti Dinner: Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m., Main Dining Room
  • Nursing Pinning: Friday, May 8, at 9 a.m., Conservatory of Music
  • President's Graduate Lunch: Friday, May 8, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Capital Center
  • Commencement Rehearsal: Friday, May 8, at 1 p.m., Capital Center 
  • ROTC Commissioning Ceremony: Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., Conservatory of Music
  • DSLA Awards and Dinner (invitation only) 
  • Baccalaureate Service: Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m., Gloria Dei

Commencement Rehearsals


Undergraduate Rehearsal

Friday, May 8

1 p.m.

Capital Center

Enter the Capital Center through the Pleasant Ridge Avenue Performance Arena doors for a review of lineup, seating, and procession details.

 

Graduate students do not have a rehearsal for their ceremony on May 6.

 

Trinity Rehearsal

Friday, May 15

10 a.m.

Gloria Dei

Gear Up for Graduation at the Gear Shop


Graduation Regalia is available at the Gear Shop.


  • Cap, Gown, and Tassel
  • Master's Hoods and Tassels
  • Diploma frames
  • Alumni gifts and more!

Latin Honor Cords for Graduation


Graduating undergraduate students with at least a 3.5+ cumulative GPA at the end of Fall 2025 are eligible for a Latin honor cord (spring GPAs are not yet finalized). Final transcripts will reflect final GPA and Latin honor.


Cords will be distributed at the May 8 rehearsal and during pre-ceremony lineup on May 9.

Graduate Showcase

 

IMC is launching a Graduate Showcase video series on Capital's social media to highlight graduating seniors’ experiences, leadership, and advice. Interested students should complete the form to share information and photos that can be shared on social media. A member of the IMC team will follow up if more information is needed!

Save the Date! Upcoming Events

As the academic year wraps up, Capital is buzzing with events celebrating student achievements and end-of-year traditions.Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details. This list is not inclusive.

Symposium Keynote

The Marye J. and Richard A. Boyd Undergraduate Research Symposium Keynote Address

“Classroom to Career: Experiences That Actually Matter”


Tuesday, April 14

7 p.m.

Huntington Recital Hall

Honors Convocation

Wednesday, April 15

10 a.m.

Mees Hall

Honors Day Picnic & Symposium Posters

Wednesday, April 15,

11:30 a.m.

Capital Center Fieldhouse

Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship and Graduate Research Forum


Wednesday, April 15, beginning at 11:30 a.m. (poster session)


Oral presentations begin at 1:30 p.m., Blackmore Library

Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Power of Us Awards and Graduation Celebration

Thursday, April 16

6 p.m.

Schneider North


Please RSVP on Engage.

Annual Leadership Awards

Wednesday, April 22

5 p.m.

Huntington Recital Hall

Nelson W. Trout Lectures


April 23-24, 2026

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Featuring The Rev. Traci Blackmon

Schumacher Art Gallery


Gallery hours:

Monday-Friday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday: 1 to 4:30 p.m.

(or by appointment; admission is free)


Capital University Student Showcase

April 13-28

Reception: April 16, 5 to 7 p.m.

This multimedia exhibition showcases a variety of works created by Capital University students.

 

“What Were You Wearing?” Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Exhibit

April 13-28


This annual exhibit creates space for education, empathy, and support for survivors.

Jazz and World Music Festival


April 7-10, 2026


The Capital University Conservatory of Music’s annual Jazz and World Music Festival brings together students, faculty, and world-renowned guest artists for a dynamic lineup of performances, clinics, and workshops on and off campus. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Enroll in Summer Classes


Registration for Summer 2026 classes is open!. Summer courses are a great way to stay on track, get ahead, or lighten your fall course load. With flexible options and smaller class sizes, students can continue making progress toward their degree while balancing summer schedules. Learn more.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)


Deadline: April 8


Capital is participating in the NSSE survey to hear directly from first-year and senior students about their academic and co-curricular experiences. Your feedback helps improve programs, support services, and career preparation across campus, and this year’s survey also includes questions on first-year experiences and senior transitions. The survey runs March 11–April 8, with invitations sent to your Capital email.


As a thank you for participating, students who complete the survey by April 8 will be entered into a drawing to win one of several Amazon gift cards, including a $300 grand prize. Your voice matters! Please take a few minutes to share your experience and help shape the future of Capital.


Questions? Contact Jens Hemmingsen at jhemming@capital.edu or 614-236-6105.

Faculty and Staff

Celebration of Excellence


Thursday, April 9

4 p.m.

260 Ruff Learning Center


This event highlights the work of our faculty and recognizes colleagues for their contributions to teaching, scholarship, and the university community.


  • Dr. Nick Van Horn (Psychology) will deliver the Faculty Scholar Lecture, and the 2026 Faculty Scholar will be announced.
  • Dr. Andy Carlson (History) will offer the Praestantia reflection.
  • 2026 Emeriti will be introduced.
  • Endowed Chairs and Professors will be inducted: John Mersfelder (Biology), Breana Taylor (Nursing), Melinda Molina (Law), and Joseph Grant (Law)
  • Mark Baker (Music) and Richard Wood (Law) will be inducted into the Professors Hall of Honor.


A reception will follow, and all are welcome. Please confirm your attendance by RSVP to rsvp@capital.edu.

Marketing and Communications Ticket System


Use this form to request marketing support from the Integrated Marketing & Communications (IMC) team. Our ticketing system helps us organize and track requests, prioritize projects, and ensure each request receives the attention it needs. When submitting a ticket, please provide as much detail as possible, including relevant links, files, and deadlines. Clear and complete information allows our team to review your request quickly and move your project forward efficiently.

Summer Hours


Summer is just around the corner, and Capital University will once again offer adjusted summer hours for 2026. Offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with employees receiving full-day pay during this period.


Bexley Campus

Monday, May 11 through Friday, August 7

 

Law School Campus

Monday, May 18 through Friday, August 7

 

Trinity Seminary

Monday, May 18 through Friday, August 7


Please note that schedules may vary by department to ensure continued service, safety, and campus operations.

Capital University | Trinity Seminary at Capital University | Capital University Law School