Completing Your Degree 

Registering for Commencement

Ceremony Dates & Times 

Ceremony Participation

Tickets & Guests 

Speakers 

Odds & Ends

Completing Your Degree

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

“Graduation” and “Commencement” are terms of art at PSU. “Graduation” means actually finishing and completely fulfilling your degree requirements resulting in a diploma. In other words, “Graduation” is the technical obtainment of credits to receive a degree. 

“Commencement” is the symbolic ceremony marking the closing of your academic career where you receive commendation for your hard work at PSU. It is an opportunity for you, your family, friends, and the PSU community to celebrate your accomplishment. 

How do I register to graduate?

There are three basic steps to graduate. First, meet with an adviser. Students may use the Degree Audit Reporting System at any time to check their progress toward a degree and are encouraged to meet with their academic adviser to discuss the report and plot a course for clearing up any outstanding course work issues.

Second, submit a degree application. Any student seeking a degree from PSU must apply for the degree. Undergraduate degree application forms are due two terms prior to the anticipated graduation date. Graduate degree application forms are due one term prior to graduation. See Applying for a Degree for specific dates and further information. 

Finally, attend to any outstanding grade issues. All course work should be completed and final grades recorded to ensure smooth processing of your degree application. 

If you have questions regarding the Undergraduate Graduation Application process, please call 503.725.3438. If you have questions regarding the Graduate or Doctoral Graduation Application process, please call 503.725.8410.

When are the deadlines to register to graduate?

How do I change my graduation date?

If after you’ve applied to graduate you need to change your graduation date, you will need to contact the Office of Degree Requirements at 104 Neuberger Hall or email askdars@pdx.edu. 

I went to a Commencement Ceremony but didn’t finish my degree requirements. Do I have my degree from PSU?

No. You don’t have a degree from Portland State University until you have satisfied all of your degree requirements – even if you participated in a Commencement Ceremony. The Commencement Ceremony is only a celebration.

Registering for Commencement

Once I’ve applied to graduate, how do I register for a Commencement Ceremony?

Register for Commencement online at https://www.sa.pdx.edu/commencement/register/. There are terminals in the Neuberger Hall lobby where you can register.

Why can’t I register for Commencement? I already applied for graduation. 

It takes up to two weeks to process your graduation application and for the system to acknowledge that you are eligible to graduate. Allow at least 14 days. If you are still having trouble, contact degree requirements at 503.725.3438 or 800.547.8887, ext. 3438.

Registration for the 2012 Spring Commencement Ceremony will open by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

Registration for the 2012 Summer Commencement Ceremony will open by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012.

I registered for a Commencement Ceremony, but made a mistake. How can I change the registration?

Send an email to commencement@pdx.edu with your student ID number and what you wish to change and we’ll do it for you! We will reply to your request with the changes we’ve made so you can double check that it’s right.

I’m not sure whether I registered for Commencement. How can I find out?

Try to register again. If you’ve already registered, the system will not allow you to register a second time. If you have further questions, please emailcommencement@pdx.edu. 

When is the deadline to register for the 2012 Spring Commencement?

Registration for the 2012 Spring Commencement ends on June 16, 2012.  However, the last day to pick up tickets for the ceremony will be Friday, June 15, 2012, so students should register as soon as possible.  Tickets are available beginning on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

When will registration be open for the 2012 Commencement Ceremonies?

Registration for the 2012 Spring Commencement Ceremony will open by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

Registration for the 2012 Summer Commencement Ceremony will open by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012.

Ceremony Dates & Times

When are the Commencement Ceremonies for this academic year (2011-2012)?

The Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony will occur on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the Rose Garden Arena. The Summer 2012 Commencement Ceremony will occur on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in the Park Blocks outside of Smith Memorial Student Union. 

When is Fall or Winter Commencement?

Due to the fact that the majority of PSU students graduate in the Spring or Summer, there is currently not a Fall or Winter Commencement Ceremony.

Are there any other options for students to participate in a different commencement ceremony?

Yes, many departments host their own graduation celebration.  Inquire with your department for dates and times of other events.

In addition, if you are unable to attend the Portland State University commencement ceremony because you are a distance student you may be eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony from Southwestern Oregon Community College. You are eligible if you will complete you degree by Fall 2012, and you live in the following areas: Coos County, Curry County, Douglass County, Josephine County, and Lane County. Please note that only specific cities on Oregon’s Southern West coast will be able to participate. For more information please contact:

Meggan McLarrin
Southwestern Oregon University Center
1988 Newmark Avenue, Tioga 318
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone: 541-888-1518
Fax: 541-888-1530
Southwestern@ous.edu

When are the Commencement Ceremonies for future dates?

Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, June 17, 2012 
Rose Garden Arena
2:00 p.m.

Summer 2012 Commencement Ceremony 
Saturday, August 18, 2012 
Park Blocks outside of Smith Memorial Student Union
4:00 p.m.

Spring 2013 Commencement Ceremony 
Sunday, June 16, 2013 
Rose Garden Arena

How long do the Commencement Ceremonies typically last?

The Spring Commencement Ceremony lasts between 2 ½ and 3 hours. The Summer Commencement Ceremony lasts about 1 ½ hours

Ceremony Participation

Which Commencement Ceremony can I participate in?

It depends. If you are graduating Fall 2011 term, Winter 2012 term, Spring 2012 term, or Summer 2012 term, you may participate in the Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the Rose Garden Arena. 

If you are graduating Summer 2012 term or Fall 2012 term, you may participate in the Summer 2012 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, August 18, 2012 in the Park Blocks. 

If you are graduating Fall 2012 term, Winter 2013 term, Spring 2013 term, or Summer 2013 term, you may participate in the Spring 2013 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 16, 2013 at the Rose Garden Arena (pending contract approval with the Rose Quarter).

Please note that Doctoral Candidates must be certified by the Office of Graduate Studies before participating in any University-wide Commencement ceremony (this does not include hooding ceremonies).

How can I participate in the Summer 2012 Commencement Ceremony if I am only eligible for the Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony?

You may petition to participate in a Commencement Ceremony for which you are ineligible so long as your request is reasonable (medical, military, etc.). Please email commencement@pdx.edu with your name, student ID number, and reason for wanting to participating in an alternate ceremony.  Please note that space at the Summer ceremony is extremely limted.

I graduated several years ago and want to participate in a Commencement Ceremony.

You are welcome to come to the event as a guest. Due to the fact that we are near capacity for both the Spring and Summer venues, you can only participate in a Commencement Ceremony if you are eligible and register at https://www.sa.pdx.edu/commencement/register/.

I don’t want to participate in the Spring or Summer Commencement Ceremonies. Are there any alternatives?

Unfortunately, there are no alternatives for undergraduates. Some graduate programs have hooding ceremonies that you may be eligible to attend instead of the large main ceremonies. Contact your department to see if they have a hooding ceremony.  You can also visit http://www.pdx.edu/commencement/psu-graduation-events to see a list of Commencement-related celebrations.

I have two majors. Can I walk with both?

Unfortunately, you cannot walk with both departments. You will need to choose which major you want to walk with at the ceremony. You will walk across the stage when whichever major you choose is called.

Tickets & Guests

How many tickets can I request for the Commencement Ceremony? Can I get more tickets?

Every student who registers for the 2012 Spring Commencement Ceremony is eligible to receive 5 free tickets to the ceremony.  These tickets may be picked up at the PSU Box Office and will be available beginning Tuesday, May 1, 2012.  Additional tickets (over 5) may be purchased for $5.00 per ticket.

Students should ask their classmates for extra tickets if unable to purchase additional tickets from the PSU Box Office.  There will be a ticket redistribution table outside of the Rose Garden Arena with extra tickets for purchase the day of the ceremony.  We cannot, however, guarantee that tickets will still be available.

The Summer Commencement Ceremony is currently not ticketed.

When is the box office open?

The box office at PSU is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

How much are tickets?

Every student will receive 5 tickets free of charge.  Additional tickets may be purchased from the PSU Box Office for $5.00 per ticket.  Tickets may be picked up and will go on sale on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.  The last day to pick up and/or purchase tickets is 5:00 pm, Friday, June 15, 2012. Tickets will be available for purchase (subject to availability) at the Rose Garden Arena the day of the ceremony. 

I don't live in Portland and can't get my tickets from the Box Office.  What should I do?

Anyone can call the PSU Box Office and order paid commencement tickets over the phone with either a Visa of Mastercard.  The PSU Box Office's phone number is 503.725.3307 or toll free 1.888.845.8457.  Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

Complementary tickets will have to be picked up in person, by the graduate - or by a proxy with a photocopy of the student photo id and a signed release with the proxy's name (email is acceptable) - the proxy will need to provide ID.

What should I do if I have (or if one of my guests has) special needs or special accommodation requests?

When you register for the Commencement Ceremony, please indicate that you are requesting disability services. Our office is committed to ensuring that every student’s and guest’s needs are met so they can enjoy the ceremony. Your entire party will be able to enter the arena early if you so request on your registration. If you wish to follow up about a disability service or request, please email our office at commencement@pdx.edu.

Where should my guests sit if they have special needs or special accommodation requests?

For guests with Access Seating, doors open at 12:00 p.m.

American Sign Language Interpreter Access – Please proceed to Section 216.  

Limited Mobility Access – Please proceed to the top row of any of the 100 level sections which only have one or two steps.

Vision Impairment Access – Please proceed to Section 110.

Wheel Chair Access – Please proceed to any of the following sections: 101, 112, 103, 110, 114, 121, 106, 107, 117, 118, 204, 207, 210, 222, 225, 301, 304, 306, 308, 321, 325, or 332.  The Rose Garden Arena allows 1 companion to sit with each guest in Wheel Chair Access sections.

One of my guests is a baby or infant.  Do the infant need a ticket as well?

Yes, everyone entering the Rose Garden Arena needs a ticket.

Where should my out-of-town guests stay while visiting Portland?

For information about lodging in Portland for your guests, please visit our hotel booking engine. 

My family is traveling from out of the United States for the Commencement Ceremony. How can I obtain a letter to my Embassy regarding Commencement?

Please submit your request in writing to commencement@pdx.edu. Your letter will be emailed to you within 48 hours. You may need to check with your embassy to see what documentation your country requires for this type of travel. If you have questions, please contact commencement@pdx.edu.

In your request, please include:

• Your name
• Your student ID number
• The full legal name and relationship of each family member requesting documentation
• Any additional information requested by the embassy 

Speakers

Who is the keynote speaker at this year’s graduation?

The 2012 Commencement Keynote speaker is renowned author, Jean Auel.

Who is the student speaker?

PSU's student speakers have not yet been announced.

Who is the student singer?

PSU's student singer has not yet been announced. 

How do I nominate the keynote commencement speaker?

A University committee sends formal invitations requesting speakers for the Commencement Ceremonies. If you have an idea of someone you would like to hear at your ceremony, please email us at commencement@pdx.edu.

Odds & Ends

What about honors for the ceremony?

PSU awards Latin honors for undergraduate students only. To qualify, students must have at least 72 credits at PSU, 60 of which must be taken for differentiated grades (not Pass/No Pass). Only PSU credits will be used in this calculation. The honors levels for the ceremony are calculated based on coursework completed through Winter term.

Honors are awarded as follows:

Summa cum laude 3.90 to 4.00

Magna cum laude 3.80 to 3.89

Cum laude 3.67 to 3.79

Students who are eligible for honors may pick up their honor cord from the PSU Box Office or at the commencement ceremony. Qualifying students will be notified.

If I qualify for Latin Honors, will there be an indication on my diploma or my final transcript?

Yes, Latin Honors will appear on both your diploma and your final transcript.

What is appropriate etiquette for the Spring Commencement ceremony?

This is your event to honor your accomplishments. Family, friends, colleagues, faculty, and staff will be present to applaud your hard work. All participants will be expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. The use of cell phones and chewing gum is strongly discouraged. Alcohol is not permitted in the Exhibit Hall or the Rose Garden Arena. No one carrying alcoholic beverages will be allowed to enter. The Rose Garden Arena & Exhibit Hall are also non-smoking facilities. Helium balloons are not allowed in the Rose Garden Arena. If guests bring a helium balloon, they will be asked to leave it outside the exterior doors. You and your guests' understanding and cooperation are vital to the success of the day's activities.

What time do I need to be at the Rose Garden?

Students must arrive no later 12:30 p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum Exhibit Hall. Students should allow ample time for parking, transportation, or any last minute hiccups. Students will walk together to the Rose Garden as a class. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. for all guests. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m.

How should I get to the Rose Quarter?

Traffic around Rose Quarter on Commencement Day can be congested. We encourage everyone planning to attend or participate in Commencement to utilize public transportation via Tri-Met and to allow for plenty of additional travel time. Parking near the Rose Quarter on Saturday will range from $7.00 to $12.00 per car. For information about parking on the Rose Quarter campus, please visit the Rose Quarter's parking page. For parking information at Portland State University, including directions to campus, please visit the PSU Transportation & Parking homepage.

Where can I buy my cap, gown, announcements or other regalia for the Commencement Ceremony?

Purchase regalia here.  PSU's official regalia vendor is Oak Hall.  All information about purchasing regalia will come via the commencement@pdx.edu email address.

Bachelor package = $29.00

Bachelor package with stole = $48.00

Stole (by itself) = $25.00

Master's package = $66.00

Doctoral = $78.00

Why is regalia required in order to participate in commencement ceremonies?

There is a rich history of why regalia is required at university commencements.  

What are the tassel colors for my particular school?

 Please note that some schools have multiple colors depending on your degree earned. 

When and where can I get my diploma?

It usually takes 3 to 4 months for diplomas to be ready for pick up. You can pick up your diploma at the Office of Degree Requirements in 104 Neuberger Hall during normal business hours.

When and where can I get a diploma cover?

Diploma covers are given to each student as the student walks across the stage at the Commencement Ceremony.  For students who do not participate in the ceremony, diploma covers are available for purchase.

I was photographed at a Commencement Ceremony. Where can I get copies of that picture?

You can browse and purchase Commencement Ceremony photographs at www.GradImages.com.  

Is there a DVD of the Ceremony?

Yes, DVDs will be available for purchase. A professional DVD taping of PSU's Spring Commencement ceremony is available to graduates, families, and friends. The DVD contains footage of the entire ceremony which includes the commencement addresses from university administration, honored guest and student speakers. Additionally each graduating student is taped as the class passes across the platform to receive their degree. DVD copies are shipped approximately three weeks after the ceremony.  Order information will be available in the Commencement Program.

Will the ceremony be broadcast on television?

Yes, the ceremony will be broadcast on OPB.

I need insurance after college.  What are my options?

Students should visit the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services' tips on getting insurance after college.

I heard a rumor about Commencement. Where can I find out about whether it is true?

If you have any questions or concerns about PSU’s Commencement Ceremonies, please contact us at commencement@pdx.edu.

I want to share my PSU graduation story with others. Where can I do this?

We want to hear your story! Please visit our website at http://www.pdx.edu/commencement/your-student-commencement-story to share your experience with us. Alternatively, you can email your story to commencement@pdx.edu.

If I have questions about any Commencement Ceremony, who should I ask?

You can email commencement@pdx.edu