Apply to PSU to graduate
Students must apply for a degree or certificate online. The graduation application is available on myPSU.
Submit your RSVP for the Honors Commencement Ceremony
Please submit this form by May 15.
Share your information for the Honors Commencement Slideshow
This is optional, but we like to share your photos, quotes, thesis titles, and other fun facts during a slideshow at Commencement. If you'd like to be included in the slideshow, please fill out this form by May 15. You can share one or two items or fill out the entire form. Here is a link to last years slideshow if you want to see what will be included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the Honors Commencement ceremony?
Dr. Brenda Glascott, the Interim Dean of the Honors College, will welcome and congratulate everyone. We will have two commencement speeches, one from a community member and one from an Honors College graduate. We will read out the name of every Honors student who is attending the ceremony; you will process across the stage and receive your Honors College stole from the Honors faculty. The ceremony will be about 90 minutes. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception with snacks, beverages, and a photo booth.
Do I have to choose between Honors Commencement and my academic college/department?
No, we hope you will attend both. The Honors College ceremony is on Thursday, before all the other PSU ceremonies. PSU Commencement ceremonies will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Learn more about PSU's other Commencement Ceremonies here.
Do I need tickets for the Honors Commencement?
No, we have space for all Honors graduates to bring their friends and family. No tickets are necessary.
If I can't attend Honors Commencement, how do I get my Honors stole?
If you cannot attend the Honors Commencement ceremony, arrangements can be made for you to pick up your stole at the Honors House. Email honors@pdx.edu to find a time.
Will the Honors Commencement ceremony be live streamed or recorded?
No, this is an in-person event. We'd love to see you and meet your families!
What do I wear to the Honors Commencement ceremony?
It's totally up to you. Some students will choose to wear their cap and gown, or a suit. Other students will be in jeans. Our goal is to celebrate you, so wear what celebrates you.
What photos should I submit for the Honors Commencement slideshow?
Anything you want! (Knowing, of course, that your grandma or other people's grandmas will see it.) Last year, students submitted photos of themselves in research labs, on vacation with friends, and of course photos of their pets. Click here to see last year's slideshow.
When is the deadline to apply for graduation?
The deadline to apply for spring 2025 graduation is March 9; for summer 2025 it is June 1st. However, if you are a summer graduate who wishes to participate in spring commencement/graduation ceremonies, you should apply to graduate by March 9, or you will not be on the list of invitees (because the university will not know you are planning to graduate).
Where do I find information about PSU's Commencement ceremonies?
Information will be posted here: pdx.edu/commencement
Do I get an Honors cord?
No, you get an Honors College stole to wear over your graduation robe.
How do I get Latin honors?
The Registrar confers Latin honors (summa, magna, and cum laude) on the basis of your PSU cumulative GPA at the end of winter term. Latin honors are not decided by the Honors College.
What if I do not complete my thesis or other requirements in time for spring graduation?
You can still participate in spring commencement ceremonies/"walk" at graduation. You will then finish writing your thesis in the summer term, present it in August, and graduate, as a summer 2025 grad. You will not have to resubmit your application to graduate. We work with the Registrar to postpone your degree application, so you don't have to pay the fee a second time. It's definitely fine and you should still come to graduation!