How does graduation work?

[SWO Bro]

My son is set to graduate in a few weeks, and my wife and I have no idea really how it works? Is it friday, or thrusday night and friday, or the whole weekend? When is the big ceremony?

My son hasn't sent us any information and I can't find any on line.

Thank you everyone, and good luck to your loved ones.

 

[eas7888]

What program is he set to graduate from?

 

[SWO Bro]

OCS

 

[eas7888]

Do you know what class number your son is in?

 

[SynixMan]

Best to wait until he gives you the okay to make plans. It will be shorter notice, but lots of things can happen that could cause him to move a week (or more) in graduation. As he gets farther in training there, he will have more freedom to call you and make plans.

Generally, families arrive Wednesday night/Thursday morning. A year ago when I was there, there was a small ceremony Thursday afternoon, a reception Thursday night, and graduation ceremony Friday morning. But as I said, wait for official word from you son. He will have the most up to date information.

 

[eas7888]

If you know the class number, I was going to suggest searching Facebook for a Friends and Family group associated with that class. Typically, if you don't have the information, one of the other parents or spouses may.

 

[SWO Bro]

ok thank you. We are just looking for when to make our hotel reservations. this is helpful

 

[ATCS]

Here is our experience. My son is a typical non communicator that gives minimal information, so I feel your pain. This is kind of how I remember how it went. We flew into Providence on Wen. or Thursday and stayed at an excellent hotel that a coordinator for graduation made arrangements for. ( write you son/daughter and find out the name of the hotel so you can make arrangements) It was the same place that they had a graduation dinner at. My son even made a resevation for himself there the day of graduation and we all left the following day for home. He actually went on to Pensacola. If you want to get the full OCS experience, make sure you get uparound 3:30 am the day of graduation so you can witness their last PT and the morning ritual of eating breakfast by drill instructor commands. It was a lot of fun and we got great pictures from it. My son graduated in the winter so the graduation ceremony was in the gym. It was everything you'd expect.

 

[Angels]

Congrats to your son!! The reception the night before is called the "Hi Mom's Party". They served heavy appetizers at my husbands. Your wife will want to pack two "church" type dresses. One for the Hi Mom's Party and one for the graduation ceremony the next day as both events are semi formal. Don't forget to bring your camera and have fun!