UO SOJC Commencement

Mandatory

Apply for your degree by April 10 (grad students) or April 26 (undergrads).

Applying for your degree is different than opting in to participate in commencement. (See below for more information.) This step is mandatory.

• All winter, spring, summer, or fall 2026 graduates can participate in this year’s ceremony. Just note your actual grad term in your degree application.
• Summer and fall 2026 graduates who wish to walk in the 2026 ceremony must apply for a summer or fall degree by May 14.
• Confirm how your name will appear on your diploma and be sure to include the mailing address where you want your diploma sent in your degree application.

If you have questions about applying for your degree, please email sojcgrad@uoregon.edu (grad students) or sojcadvising@uoregon.edu (undergrad students).

Submit your nominations for a student commencement speaker and a faculty member to receive the Marshall Teaching Award. Deadline: April 20/29. Get more info →

Mandatory

Check your name for the SOJC Commencement program by May 15.

Make sure your name appears in our commencement program the way you want it to appear. This step is mandatory.

Mandatory

Register in Tassel to participate in the SOJC Commencement Ceremony by May 17.

When our Tassel site goes live on April 28, you will receive an email and/or text prompting you to complete your registration online and confirm the information you want to appear on the Jumbotron at Matthew Knight Arena. This step is mandatory.

If you have questions about registering for the SOJC Commencement Ceremony in Tassel, please email sojcgrad@uoregon.edu (grad students) or sojcadvising@uoregon.edu (undergrad students).

Submit photos and song ideas for the commencement ceremony jumbotron slideshow and playlist! Deadline: June 3. Submit photos and songs →

Optional

Order your regalia (cap, gown, tassel, stole, cords) by June 5.

The Duck Store is your one-stop shop for all commencement gear. Order by June 5 to get your regalia with standard shipping rates or by June 8 for two-day shipping. Regalia will be available for pick-up from the Duck Store on June 10.

There are several alternative options available if you cannot or do not want to purchase regalia. Please see our FAQ page for more information about options for borrowing and donating regalia.

Check in at Matthew Knight Arena for the SOJC Ceremony at 3–3:30 p.m.

To participate in the SOJC Commencement Ceremony—where you'll hear your name announced as you walk across the stage—you'll need to check in at the West Entrance of Matthew Knight Arena (closest to Unthank Hall) no later than 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15.

• Arrive dressed in your regalia, if you opt to wear it.
• Note: A clear bag policy is in effect for ALL ceremonies. Get more information →
• Enter via the West Entrance and go to the check-in table underneath the sign that displays the first letter of your last name. Give our volunteers your name to get your Tassel stage card. Once you pick up your Tassel card, head downstairs to the event level.
• Note: The West Entrance of Matthew Knight Arena is reserved for graduating students only. Families and guests should use the North and East entrances.
• Doctoral and master’s degree recipients: When you get downstairs, follow signage to the graduate student staging area. Volunteers will help you line up for the processional into the arena. You will have reserved seats at the front of the arena floor.
• Bachelor’s degree recipients: Once you've made it downstairs, follow signage and volunteer instructions to enter the arena floor and find a seat. There is no assigned seating for undergraduates, and you are welcome to sit with your friends. Volunteers might ask you to fill in gaps in seats and move closer to the stage.
• The ceremony will begin promptly at 4 p.m.

Time to graduate!

You've finally made it to the finish line! Here's what to expect during the ceremony:

• When degree conferrals begin, volunteers will direct students to the stage by row. Please pay attention to all volunteer cues to help us keep things running smoothly.
• When it’s your turn to walk, you will scan the QR code on the Tassel card you received when you checked in. This will trigger your information to appear on the Jumbotron and TVs in the arena.
• After you scan your QR code, wait for your cue from a volunteer to walk across the ramp. If you're receiving a doctoral or master’s degree, your advisor or another faculty member will hood you at the center of the ramp. Before exiting the ramp, shake Dean Regina Lawrence’s hand and receive your diploma cover as your name is announced to the arena.
• After you exit the ramp, you will have your photo taken by a GradImages photographer. Then a volunteer will direct you back to your seat for the duration of the ceremony.
• When the ceremony ends, volunteers will dismiss graduates by row to join the recessional. Students will exit the arena on the east side of the building.

Commencement is an exciting and meaningful day, and we expect everyone in attendance to be respectful and conscientious. Read more about graduation etiquette →

Get photos from the ceremony.

If you registered in Tassel, you should receive a message from GradImages to the email you provided with options for purchasing your ceremony photos. You can also search for your name on the GradImages website. Pre-register with GradImages before the ceremony to receive 20% off your order.

Make sure you're following @uosojc on social channels and/or subscribe to our newsletter to see candid photos taken during the event by our photographers.

Get your diploma.

The dean will hand you an empty diploma cover during the ceremony. You’ll receive your official diploma in the mail about six weeks after commencement or after you complete your degree requirements.