All about commencement

Between cranking out your last 20-page paper and making sure that final group presentation goes smoothly, the week leading up to graduation on June 14 can be a stressful affair.

The Vanguard feels your pain and has diligently dug up some tips to make commencement easy and fun.

Pre-commencement eventsA Recognition of Student Achievement and ScholarshipJune 12, 3 p.m., in Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom

College of Urban and Public Affairs Hooding CeremonyInvite only, June 13, 3 p.m., at Saint Mary’s Academy

Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science Graduation ReceptionJune 13, 4 p.m., in EB Atrium

School of Fine and Performing Arts Hooding and Graduation CelebrationInvite only, June 13, 4:30 p.m., in Lincoln Performance Hall

Graduate School of Education Hooding CeremonyJune 13, 6 p.m., in Stott Center main gym

School of Business Administration Hooding CeremonyJune 13, 6 p.m., in Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom

Multicultural Center GraduationJune 13, 6 p.m., in Hoffman Hall

Spring 2008 CommencementTicketed event, June 14, 10 a.m., at Rose Garden Arena

School of Social Work Hooding CeremonyJune 14, 3 p.m., in Stott Center main gym

Commencement, step by stepSaturday, June 14

8:45 a.m. Graduates report to assembly area at Memorial Coliseum Exhibit Hall. Check in with faculty marshal representing your department.

9:30 a.m. Marshals begin leading graduates to entrance of arena.

10 a.m. Processional starts.

10:45 a.m. Once everyone is seated, speeches begin.

11:30 a.m. Graduates start receiving degrees: Ph.D.s first, then master’s degrees, then bachelor’s degrees.

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Commencement ceremony ends.

Diploma distribution: Diplomas are not distributed at commencement. Graduates will be notified by mail with directions for obtaining final diplomas.

Transportation(Tips courtesy of Ebru Korbek, coordinator for commencement)

-Use public transportation to get to the ceremony. Traffic near the Rose Garden is usually difficult to navigate, and taking a bus or using the MAX can help students get there on time.

-If you must drive, leave early. There is parking available at the Rose Garden for $10 a car, but finding a spot is not guaranteed and the garages fill quickly.

-Buses from PSU: If you are coming from PSU, either take the 8 bus heading toward N.E. 15th Ave. or get on the MAX heading to the east side. Either option will land you at the Rose Garden without the hassle of driving. The MAX is free.

Making commencement easier(Tips courtesy of Ebru Korbek, coordinator for commencement)

-Remember your reader cards (sent out in early June).

-Eat a good meal before leaving your house, as you will be at the Rose Garden for almost five hours.

-Avoid bringing coats and other valuables, such as larger cameras, because there is no place to store them.

-For the first time, graduates will have three photos taken when they receive their degree: one before receiving it, one of their handshakes with their dean, and one afterward. Proofs will be mailed to their homes at no charge.

-Volunteers will be wearing green shirts. Follow their instructions and ask questions if you need help.

-Set a meeting time and place with guests before the ceremony to avoid feeling confused or rushed afterward. Students should expect to be at the Rose Garden until at least 1:30 p.m. because of traffic and crowds.

Commencement by the numbers(Courtesy of Ebru Korbek, coordinator for commencement)

Total registrations: 1,716Bachelor’s degrees: 1,463Certificates: 5Doctoral degrees: 13Master’s degrees: 235Requested tickets: 11,652

Need to know more? Contact the Office of the Dean of StudentsOn the Web: www.pdx.edu/commencementE-mail: [email protected]Phone: 503-725-4422