by Stephen Percy
March 4th 2021
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Dear Campus Community,
At this time of year we think about commencement, and as you can imagine, organizing this celebration in the midst of a public health crisis offers much for us to think about. We have come to the difficult decision to once again hold virtual commencement ceremonies. In making this decision we considered feedback from student government leaders.
The unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has led us to the conclusion that a virtual ceremony is the best option to keep our community safe. While more people are being vaccinated every day, state and local health officials have given no indication that they will be changing prohibitions on large, in-person gatherings. We hope that making this announcement now will allow the family and friends of graduating students to make plans.
I am deeply disappointed we will not be able to celebrate your exceptional achievement together, in person. I commit to doing all we can to honor your accomplishments. We know it is important to have some keepsakes that mark graduation. We are working to arrange safe, on-campus opportunities for graduates to take photographs in regalia in the week(s) leading up to the June 13 celebration. We are also working on additional plans to recognize student achievements and create ceremonies that center student voices.
In the days ahead, we will provide eligible graduates the information you will need to sign up for virtual commencement and the portrait sessions. You can also stay up-to-date by visiting the PSU Commencement website: pdx.edu/commencement. Please email commencement@pdx.edu with questions or suggestions.
I look forward to celebrating all of you this June. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and those around you.
Sincerely,
Stephen Percy
President, Portland State University