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Preparing for Graduation

The Difference between Graduation and Commencement

Graduation refers to actually receiving a degree once a student has been certified by the University as having met all degree requirements. Upon certification, the degree is awarded and noted in the PSU Student Information System so that it displays on PSU transcripts. Graduation certification occurs 4-6 weeks after final term grades are posted. Diplomas are printed after the degree certification process is complete.

Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends, and the PSU community to celebrate their academic accomplishments. Except for doctoral students (who must actually graduate to participate), the commencement ceremony is open to any student who has applied to graduate, notified the Commencement Office that they intend to participate, rented the required regalia, and shown up at the designated time on the day of the ceremony. Participation in commencement does not mean that a student has graduated and students do not receive diplomas on that day.

Steps to Graduation

1. Meet with Adviser

Students may use the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) 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.

2. Plan to take your final classes

Run another DARS report after registering for your final term to confirm that all requirements are in progress.

3. 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 any “Incomplete” grades, please review the “I to F” policy.

4. Submit 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.

5. Register for Commencement*

Visit the Commencement web site to register to attend a commencement ceremony. The registration process includes specifying the name on your diploma and ordering tickets for the spring ceremony. Online registration for Spring Commencement begins in January. The Commencement site also provides details about ceremony dates, times, and locations, as well as contact information for those with further questions. Note: If you have recently submitted a degree application to the Office of Degree Requirements or Graduate Studies, you may need to wait up to four weeks for your application to be processed before you will be able to complete the online commencement registration process. If you have difficulties, please contact the Coordinator of Commencement at commence@pdx.edu.

6. Order Cap, Gown, Announcements, Class Ring*

Representatives from Oak Hall visit campus to provide students with the opportunity to order regalia (cap and gown), graduation announcements, and class rings. Information on ordering Regalia can be found on the Commencement site.

7. Prepare for life after PSU

Visit Advising & Career Services for assistance with job search strategies and information about upcoming career fairs.

* Students who do not wish to participate in a commencement ceremony may skip steps 5 and 6.