Congratulations on reaching this major milestone! We’re excited to celebrate your achievements at PSU's Commencement 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your big day goes smoothly.

Ticketing

Graduates must bring their digital ticket and wear regalia (cap & gown) to participate. Tickets are reserved through the PSU Box Office. Each graduate can reserve one free Graduate Ticket and up to three Free Guest Tickets. Additional tickets are $15. All seating is general admission. Learn more about tickets.

Regalia

Your cap, gown, tassels, and, for master’s degrees, hoods are required. Purchase your regalia in advance online or onsite (limited supplies, cash only).

Parking and Transportation

We encourage you to use public transit — TriMet — or carpool. 

Limited paid parking is available in Parking Structures 1 and 3 for a flat rate of $10. 

Parking Structure 1
1872 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201

Parking Structure 3
1631 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97201

Payment can be made using:

You’ll need to provide your vehicle license plate number and other vehicle information as part of the payment process. You don’t need to display a receipt. Parking enforcement verifies by license plate.

Arrival and Check-In

Doors open one hour before each ceremony, and graduates should arrive no later than 45 minutes prior. Use the north entrance near the Box Office window. Security checks are mandatory. Pick up your reader card upon entry. Keep this card for the ceremony.

Accessibility

PSU is committed to an inclusive celebration. ADA access is available at the northeast side near PSU Millar Library. ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be provided. Please complete the ADA Request Form for any specific accommodations.

Reader Cards

As each graduate crosses the stage, their name and primary major will be displayed on screen and read aloud.

If you submitted your name information by May 13:

You’re all set! You’ll receive a name reader card when you arrive at the ceremony. This card contains a QR code linked to your confirmed display details and name pronunciation. Just keep the card with you and hand it to the name reader before you cross the stage. This helps ensure your name is pronounced correctly and shown properly on screen.

If you did not submit name information in advance:

You’ll need to get a reader card when you arrive at your ceremony and fill it out by hand before the processional line-up. On the card, you’ll need to write:

  • Your full name as you’d like it to be read
  • A phonetic pronunciation guide, i.e., how your name sounds, not how it’s spelled

For example:

  • David Baranowski → David Ba-ra-nof-ski
  • Ngoc Nguyen → Sounds like “knock” “WIN”

You must carry this card with you and hand it to the name reader just before crossing the stage.

We want every graduate’s name to be read with care and respect. Thank you for helping us get it right!

Procession

Graduates will line up for the procession 30 minutes before the start. Follow instructions from commencement staff. You’ll approach the stage, hand your reader card to the reader, and receive your diploma cover. GradImages will capture your special moment with a photograph.

Return to Seats and Recessional

After walking across the stage, graduates are expected to return to their seats and remain seated until the recessional.

After the Ceremony

Celebrate with your friends and family outside Viking Pavilion in the Park Blocks. Head to the portico in front of the Branford Price Millar Library to snap selfies with friends and family in front of our special commencement backdrops while you’re still sporting your regalia. Diplomas will be mailed to your provided address approximately four weeks after degrees are posted. Visit the diploma information webpage for details.

Regalia Reuse and Donations

Help us keep commencement sustainable! PSU’s Planning & Sustainability Office invites graduates to donate their gowns to the Gown Reuse Program, which provides free regalia to future grads.

How to donate or return your gown:

  • June 13–15: Drop your gown in collection bins outside the Branford Price Millar Library after your ceremony.
  • Summer 2025: Use the donation bin located at University Market (#105) in the Smith Memorial Student Union.
  • By mail: You can also send gowns to:
    • Campus Sustainability Office
      Portland State University
      P.O. Box 751, Mailcode SUST
      Portland, OR 97207-0751

Please note that shipping costs are not reimbursed.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the program this year. Your support helps make commencement more affordable and sustainable for future graduates!

Livestream and Recording

Encourage your friends and family to watch a livestream of the ceremony on the PSU Commencement website. Recordings will also be available online.

Questions

For ticketing questions, contact the PSU Box Office.