Institution-wide commencement information: What you need to know
Open gallery
Over the next several weeks, hundreds of families and friends will celebrate the class of 2016. In order to be helpful stewards for our graduates’ visitors, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear a gold nametag and be familiar with the campus map and this essential commencement information:
Live webcast
The live webcast will begin 15 minutes before the ceremony start time and conclude with the recessional.
Maps, Parking, and Lodging
For the law and graduate school commencements, parking is available in several on-campus lots but is prohibited in the local neighborhood. Campus safety officers and ushers will help direct traffic to open parking areas. Guests should allow extra time for traffic, walking to Griswold or Pamplin, and finding seating. Please visit these links for more information about:
School of Law
When: Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. (Graduates must be at Pamplin Sports Center, in regalia, at 9:15 a.m.)
Where: Pamplin Sports Center
Tickets: No tickets needed.
Commencement speaker: U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp
Presentation of the Leo Levenson Award: To be announced.
Reception: A short reception will be held after graduation at the law school.
Children’s Commencement Ceremony: In honor of the children of the graduating students, the Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Board of Directors present a special Children’s Commencement Ceremony held immediately following the Law School Commencement. It will be held in McCarty Classroom 2. Family and friends are invited to attend this ceremony. Registration is necessary. Please register here: Children’s Commencement Ceremony
Graduate School of Education and Counseling
When: Sunday, June 5, 9:50 a.m. (Graduates must be at Stamm in Templeton for staging at 9 a.m.)
Where: Pamplin Sports Center
Tickets: No tickets needed.
Commencement speaker: Kevin Kumashiro, dean of the School of Education at the University of San Francisco
Student speaker: Renee Ulrich, professional mental health counseling and addictions, MA ’16
Reception: A short reception will be held immediately after graduation (approximately 12:30 p.m.) on the Frank Manor House circle (or in Templeton Campus Center, Stamm Dining Room, in case of inclement weather).
Mobility and ASL Accommodations: Graduates requesting accommodation for themselves should contact River Montijo, graduate registrar, by Friday, May 27.
College of Arts and Sciences
When: Saturday, May 7, 3 p.m. Doors will open at 2 p.m. for general admittance. Family and friends should arrive by 1 p.m. for the commencement ceremony. Graduates must be at the Georgia Pacific Room in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum by 2 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum (300 North Winning Way, Portland, OR 97227)
Tickets: Tickets are required for entry to commencement. Get your e-tickets here.
Commencement speaker: Nicholas D. Kristof, journalist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner
Student speaker: Jonel (Joe) Iliscupidez ’16
Parking at the Veterans Coliseum
- Please be sure you arrive before 2 p.m. The parking garage will flip over to Blazers season ticket holders at that time and the $15 parking rate/passes will not be honored.
- Parking is available in several in several lots: $10 per vehicle.
- For those of you who wish to drive, please note: Google maps lists N. Winning Way as N. Ramsey Way.
- Please consider carpooling, allow extra time for traffic, walking to Veterans Coliseum, and finding seating.
Shuttles and MAX Transportation
- Shuttles will be available between the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel (1401 S.W. Naito Parkway) and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (300 North Winning Way). Please consult the shuttle schedule here. Please note: shuttle space is limited and alternate methods of transportation are recommended.
- For information about MAX Light Rail and bus lines, please visit the TriMet Trip Planner website. The Veterans Memorial Coliseum is conveniently located next to the Rose Quarter Transit Center.
- For maps and directions to Veterans Memorial Coliseum, please consult the Coliseum’s transportation and parking page sites.
Special needs parking
For ease of arrival at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, attendees may be dropped off at Winning Way (also called Ramsay Way), which is the street just a few feet away from the entrance to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Drivers may then park in either the East/West or Garden Garages.
