Commencement

Graduate Information

The information below will help you prepare for commencement and know what to expect on the day of the ceremony.

Graduation Day Information

Commencement Day Timeline 

8:30 a.m.         Graduates arrive—go to check-in table first 

9:15 a.m.         Line up for dress rehearsal 

9:30 a.m.         Dress rehearsal 

10:15 a.m.       Graduate class photos 

10:30 a.m.      Guest seating begins 

10:50 a.m.       Processional lines up—same order as rehearsal 

11:00 a.m.       Commencement ceremony begins 

12:30 p.m.       Approximate end time for the commencement ceremony 

Day-Of Reminders

• Arrive with your regalia steamed and ready to wear
• Honor cords, veteran cords, and master’s degree stoles will be distributed at check-in (if applicable)
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there are stairs leading to the stage
• We do not provide refreshments. Please be sure you eat prior to arriving or bring a snack. Water will be available in the staging room.  

For complete ceremony instructions, review the Commencement Guide. 

Eligibility 

Students in the College of Chiropractic are eligible to participate in commencement if:

• Their degree requirements were completed in a previous term (e.g., winter)
• They are on track to complete their degree requirements during the term that commencement is held (e.g., spring)
• They are on track to complete their degree requirements within two academic terms following commencement (e.g., summer or fall) 

Students in the College of Graduate Studies are eligible to participate in commencement if:

• Their degree requirements were completed in a previous term (e.g., fall, winter)
• They are on track to complete their degree requirements during the term that commencement is held (e.g., spring)

Or 

• They are on track to complete their degree requirements within one academic term following commencement (e.g., summer) 

Students who are concurrently enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree and the Master of Science in Sports Medicine should follow the eligibility criteria for students in the college of chiropractic. 

Students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization should follow the eligibility criteria for the Ed.D. program. Students in the Ed.D.-SPP/CMHC program that complete the master’s in CMHC requirements will receive their diploma after completion of the master’s requirements. 

Participating in the commencement ceremony does not signify completion of your academic program. Questions about your degree requirements can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Regalia 

Please arrive with your regalia steamed and ready to wear. Honor cords, veteran cords, and master’s degree stoles will be distributed at the check-in table upon arrival if applicable. 

Graduation honors are awarded based on cumulative GPA:

• Doctor of Chiropractic: 3.5 or higher
• All other programs: 3.95 or higher 

If you have served or are currently serving in the U.S. or Canadian military, you may request a veteran cord when submitting their commencement RSVP. 

You are also welcome to wear personally purchased stoles to honor your heritage, cultural background, or involvement while at UWS. 

Parking and Transportation 

Parking is available at the Convention Center parking garage or on the street. Graduates and their guests are responsible for this expense. You may also request two one-way MAX tickets instead of a parking voucher by contacting [email protected]. 

The Oregon Convention Center is accessible by MAX light rail, bus service, and rideshare options. 

Photos 

Professional photographers from Bridge City Media will be taking individual and class photos at the event. UWS will be taking candid shots before, during and after the event that will be shared on social media. As a gift to our graduates, UWS will email each of you an electronic copy of their class and individual portraits at no cost. Portraits will include poses of graduates shaking hands with President Long as they receive their diploma on stage, and an individual photo offstage showcasing their diploma. 

Guests will not be allowed to approach the stage to take photographs as this disrupts the ceremony and impedes the view of others.