Commencement Guest FAQ

We’re excited to celebrate with you at the SOJC’s Commencement Ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026! You are an invaluable part of the SOJC community as we all come together to honor our graduates’ achievements and this momentous milestone in their lives. On this page, you'll find details about the SOJC Commencement Ceremony's proceedings, what to expect on the big day, accommodation suggestions, and more.

Information for Graduating Students

When and where is the commencement ceremony?

The SOJC Commencement Ceremony will be on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 4 p.m. at Mathew Knight Arena. Here are directions to Matthew Knight Arena, but please note that guests are strongly encouraged to take a shuttle bus from Autzen Stadium.

Note that the UO Commencement Ceremony is a separate event. It will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Autzen Stadium.

Will the SOJC ceremony conflict with the UO ceremony?

No. Students and their guests are welcome to attend one or both ceremonies.

Are tickets required?

No. No tickets for either ceremony are required for guests. Students do, however, need to register for the SOJC ceremony through Tassel, as outlined in these instructions.

Students planning to participate in the main UO ceremony are asked to RSVP separately for that event.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed for remote viewing?

Yes! This year the SOJC Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube. You can watch the ceremony from anywhere beginning at 4 p.m. on June 15. We will update this page with the livestream link in the coming weeks.

What should I do if I have a disability or need special accommodations?

Graduating students who need accommodations during the ceremony should email sojcevents@uoregon.edu.

ADA seating is available for guests in the arena. Each ADA section has room for wheelchairs or other large mobility devices and a chair for one additional guest per person. Families can look for seats in the top rows directly in front of the ADA sections.

There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces in Lot 37 to the west of Ford Alumni Center, but we recommend that guests with mobility issues be dropped off at either the Matthew Knight Arena West Entrance on 13th Avenue or the East Entrance on Villard Street (across from the Market of Choice parking lot) if possible. See Matthew Knight Arena’s Accessibility Guide and the campus ADA parking map.

On Monday, June 15, 2026, there will be an access shuttle operating on campus for those with conditions that impact mobility. See this shuttle map for the on-campus route. The access shuttle runs only on campus and does not run to or from Autzen Stadium. The shuttle buses running from Autzen are not accessible.

At the ceremony, the SOJC will provide captioning for video content on the Jumbotron as well as two American Sign Language practitioners.

Learn more about the university’s accessibility accommodations and view this campus accessibility map. If you have questions please email sojcevents@uoregon.edu.

Is there a dress code for the commencement ceremony?

No. Students are encouraged to wear regalia, but it is not required. Please dress comfortably, as the ceremony is likely to last two hours, and you will be seated in an air-conditioned arena for a long period of time. Many guests will also need to climb stairs to access seating, although ADA accommodations are available for those who need them.

Where can I purchase regalia?

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.

Starting this year, the UO has new commencement regalia for students. The new gown is a lighter green color, is more wrinkle-resistant, and is made using recycled materials. If you or your student are borrowing a gown from 2025 or earlier to wear at this year’s ceremony, please keep in mind that it will not match the new gowns. You may want to consider purchasing a new gown or applying for free regalia through one of the options below.

Students who cannot or do not wish to pay for regalia can apply to the UO Basic Needs Program or visit the UO Student Sustainability Center (SSC). Students should follow the SSC on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter to learn when gown loans open, which usually happens in early spring term. Gowns are first-come, first-served. The center also has a limited number of caps and other regalia available. Students are expected to return their borrowed gowns after graduation.

The SOJC also has a limited number of caps and SOJC stoles available for students. To apply for an SOJC cap or stole, please email sojcadvising@uoregon.edu by May 30.

If you would like to donate your regalia for use by future graduates, the SSC will be accepting donations any time after commencement at its office in the Erb Memorial Union, Room 005 (EMU 005). Regalia can be dropped off whenever the EMU is open. They accept undergraduate and graduate gowns, caps, cords, stoles, and hoods.

What do students need to do to participate in the SOJC Commencement Ceremony?

See the Student Commencement Checklist on the main SOJC Commencement webpage for detailed instructions and deadlines.

Please note that all UO commencement activities are substance-free events (except for formal receptions, where alcohol may be served in OLCC-regulated locations). This includes all activities, and applies to indoor and outdoor venues, including the main University Commencement Ceremony in Autzen Stadium and the SOJC ceremony at Matthew Knight Arena. Students found in possession of prohibited substances could be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, confiscation of the substance(s), being denied access to commencement activities, or notification to law enforcement regarding illegal substances.

We also request that all graduates limit their consumption of alcohol and other substances prior to the ceremony. Graduates who arrive under the influence may be refused the opportunity to participate, and the staffs of Matthew Knight Arena and the SOJC reserve the right to relocate or remove anyone who is creating a disturbance.

Where should I park?

Commencement is a busy time on campus and in the surrounding community. To accommodate our graduates and families, parking is available on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Autzen Stadium. Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking lots at the stadium will open at 6:30 a.m. To help minimize the impacts of traffic, guests and graduates are strongly encouraged to carpool or ride share to the stadium.

Following the conclusion of the University Commencement Ceremony at Autzen at 10 a.m., free shuttle buses will transport guests from Autzen Stadium to campus, where they will make four stops around campus—Matthew Knight Arena, Global Scholars Hall, Frohnmayer Music Building, and the Knight Library—and then return to Autzen Stadium. Shuttles will run continuously throughout the day on Monday, June 15, 2026. The last shuttle from campus to Autzen will be at 7:00 p.m., immediately following the SOJC Commencement Ceremony. Please note that these shuttles are not wheelchair accessible.

Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to park at Autzen Stadium and utilize the shuttles to travel to the main campus. Any vehicle parked in an on-campus lot on Monday, June 15, without a valid permit may be ticketed.

Parking zones and time limits in the neighborhoods adjacent to campus vary. Please pay attention to all posted signs and placards if parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. The City of Eugene has an interactive parking map available to view.

How much time should I give myself to travel from Autzen Stadium to Matthew Knight Arena?

We expect a large increase in traffic on commencement day, particularly in the areas surrounding Autzen Stadium and the main campus. There will also be a large demand for the shuttle buses that will be transporting graduates and families to and from Autzen Stadium and the main campus.

For students and guests attending the UO ceremony and/or GradFest before the SOJC ceremony, we recommend leaving Autzen Stadium no later than 2:15 p.m. Transportation options include catching a shuttle, walking (around 1.5 miles/30–40 minutes; get walking directions), driving, or taking a rideshare/taxi to campus. Please keep in mind that all vehicles—including shuttles—will be subject to the same traffic conditions.

Can I bring a backpack, purse, wrapped gifts, etc., into the arena?

The university has a clear-bag policy for all commencement ceremonies. Graduates and guests are limited to one clear bag (no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a one gallon plastic storage bag) per person, along with a small clutch or purse for privacy or medical needs. You will not be allowed to bring in wrapped gifts. There is no storage for personal belongings. The university is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Learn more about the clear bag policy.

Can I bring noisemakers, a confetti cannon, air horn, balloons, or glass?

No. The University of Oregon has a zero-tolerance policy that forbids guests bringing noisemakers, air horns, confetti cannons, balloons, or glass into Matthew Knight Arena at any time before, during, or after the ceremony. Guests who violate this protocol will be immediately asked to leave the ceremony.

Will there be programs available?

Yes. Printed programs with student names will be available as a keepsake. We ask that families limit the number of copies they take to ensure there are enough for everyone. A digital version of the program will also be available.

Can guests take photographs or videos during the ceremony? Will professional photos be taken?

You may take photos and videos, but please remain in your seat to avoid blocking the aisles or obstructing the views of other guests. Please also refrain from using flash photography.

There will be a professional photographer at the event, and the SOJC will make candid photos from the event available for free after the event. Please check the SOJC social media channels or the Inside SOJC Newsletter for the link to the photo album in late June/early July.

GradImages will be taking individual photos of each graduate as they receive their diploma. These photos will be available for purchase. Students who register through Tassel for the ceremony will receive an email from GradImages to the email they provide. You can also search for the student's name on the GradImages website. Pre-register with GradImages before the ceremony to receive 20% off your order.

Are there any pre- or post-ceremony events or receptions guests should know about?

In between ceremonies, you are invited to join the campus community in celebrating commencement at GradFest, a reception following the main ceremony at Autzen Stadium. Gather with faculty and peers from the SOJC to enjoy refreshments, photo opportunities, and a festive atmosphere to continue the day’s celebration. GradFest will run from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Shuttles will take passengers to and from Autzen Stadium to the main campus.

Carson Hall, Unthank Hall, and the EMU will be open with food and beverages for guests to purchase on campus.

Additionally, there will be a hospitality lounge in the Ford Alumni Center on campus, sponsored by the University of Oregon Alumni Association, where guests can rest, recharge, and connect.

All university museums and many classroom buildings will also be open to enjoy during commencement.

However you celebrate before the SOJC ceremony, make sure you give yourself enough time to get to Matthew Knight Arena before the doors open to graduating students and families at 3 p.m.

The university does not host any post-ceremony events. You are welcome to visit one of the many eateries in Eugene, although please note that reservations on this busy day are highly recommended. Please do not make reservations before 7 p.m. to ensure you have enough time to arrive.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions or need assistance?

For questions related to academic status, applying for a degree and/or registering in Tassel, graduate students should email sojcgrad@uoregon.edu and undergraduate students should contact the Student Success Center at sojcadvising@uoregon.edu.

For questions about the ceremony or other event logistics, email sojcevents@uoregon.edu.

Resources

Helpful Tips

Follow these eight tips to ensure your student’s college graduation day runs smoothly, so you can focus on celebrating their achievements and creating lasting memories together.

Plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the ceremony schedule, location, and any specific instructions or requirements provided by the university. Knowing the logistics in advance will help you navigate the day more efficiently.
Arrive early. Aim to catch a shuttle from Autzen timed to arrive at the venue well before the ceremony starts. This will allow you to locate your seats and avoid last-minute rushes.
Dress appropriately. Consider dressing comfortably and bringing a sweater, as the ceremony will likely last more than two hours and the arena is air conditioned. Some guests may need to climb a flight of stairs, although elevators are available.
Stay hydrated and energized. Carry water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the ceremony. Concessions and water will not be available at the arena before or during the ceremony. Water will be available for students on the arena floor.
Be mindful of etiquette. Show respect during the ceremony by turning off your phone, refraining from talking, and adhering to guidelines set by the university. No air horns, confetti canons, or noise-making devices are allowed in the arena. Please stay seated until the ceremony is finished and the students complete the recessional.
Celebrate responsibly. After the ceremony, celebrate responsibly and consider making reservations in advance if you plan to dine out with family and friends to avoid long wait times.
Have a meet-up plan. Arrange a designated meeting spot with your graduate after the ceremony to avoid confusion in the crowd. This will allow you to celebrate together and take photos as a family.
Enjoy the moment. Most important, remember to enjoy the moment and celebrate this significant milestone in your graduate’s life. Cherish the memories and take pride in their accomplishments. A print program will be provided as a keepsake, and professional photos will be made available in the weeks after the ceremony.

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