Congratulations on reaching this major milestone! We’re excited to celebrate your achievements at PSU's Commencement 2026. 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 Structure 1 for a flat rate of $10 with overflow parking in the University Center Building lot next door.
Parking Structure 1
1872 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201
Payment can be made at the gate.
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 graduate doors. Guests with mobility needs should utilize the SW College loop for drop off and main ADA guest doors are in the SE corner of Viking Pavilion. ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be provided. See the Guest Information page for more guest ADA details.
Reader Cards
As each graduate crosses the stage, their name and primary major will be displayed on screen and read aloud.
You’ll need to get a reader card when you arrive at your ceremony. On the card, you’ll need to write in your phonetic pronunciation. Blank cards are available for graduates who would prefer not to have their name displayed.
- 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 exterior windows of nearby Fariborz Maseeh Hall to snap selfies in front of our special commencement backdrops.
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 12–14: Drop your gown in collection bins outside the Branford Price Millar Library after your ceremony.
- Summer 2026: 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.