June commencement to go virtual

Portland State University will transition to virtual commencement ceremonies at all schools and colleges in June as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of students, their families, friends and the greater community.

Interim President Stephen Percy notified graduating seniors and those who will receive graduate degrees of the change early Thursday and urged the entire campus community to show their support for the Class of 2020 when the spring term begins next week.  

“These are very difficult decisions we have to make, but we are making them now in recognition of the seriousness and uncertainty of the global public health challenge in front of us,” President Percy said in his message to students.

“The coronavirus has changed many things for many people, but it can’t change the exceptional achievements you have made in your time at PSU. In our 2020 class, we have won top academic awards, launched innovative programs and research, competed in national championship athletics events, and created lifelong bonds with fellow classmates and the broader PSU community.”

PSU will confer more than 5,000 degrees and certificates this year from eight schools and colleges. President Percy urges those eligible graduates who have not yet applied for commencement to apply now.  

Graduation is a milestone life achievement, and commencement planners are developing ways for the virtual ceremonies to convey our heartfelt congratulations and include components of our traditional commencements. We are working hard to make the June ceremonies as vibrant and meaningful as possible to honor the achievements of the Class of 2020. We will provide details in the coming weeks.

Because of the unprecedented nature of creating an alternative to traditional graduation ceremonies, every member of the PSU community — students, faculty, staff, alumni and others — will be invited to participate in celebrating commencement.

For updates on commencement, follow the commencement site on pdx.edu

“You are almost to the finish line,” the president told students. “I look forward to celebrating all of you in June.”