Graduation and Commencement Application Process
Graduation
Graduation means that a student has been certified by the University as having met all degree requirements. Certification may take up to 4 weeks after final term grades are posted. At that time the degree is entered on the graduate’s transcript. The degree statement on the transcript serves as evidence of degree awards.
Receiving Diplomas
Diplomas are generally available at the end of the term following the graduation term. All degree recipients are notified by mail when diplomas are available, either for office pick-up or mailing.
Filing an Application for Degree
503-725-3511
To earn a degree, students must be admitted to PSU and file an application for degree with the Degree Requirements unit within the Office of the Registrar. The undergraduate degree application form is online at www.pdx.edu/registration/forms. The deadline to file the undergraduate degree application is at the end of the second week of the term immediately preceding the graduation term. Example: If graduating at the end of spring term, the undergraduate application must be submitted by the end of the second week of winter term. The deadline to submit a graduate degree application is at the end of the first week of the graduation term.
Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisers to review their progress towards a degree prior to submitting a degree application. General University degree requirements are certified by the Degree Requirements unit in the Office of the Registrar, 104 Neuberger Hall. Final approval of the requirements for the major rests with the department, college, or school offering the major program. Students bear final responsibility for ensuring that they have taken all courses required to complete their degree/major requirements. All University degree, general education, and major requirements must be satisfied before a degree will be awarded.
Commencement is a celebration! It is a ceremony for students, their family, friends, and the PSU community to commemorate their academic achievements. Except for doctoral students (who must be certified by the Office of Graduate Studies to participate), the commencement ceremonies are open to students who have applied for degree clearance and have registered for the commencement ceremony within the specified deadlines. Participation in commencement does not mean that a student has graduated, nor do students receive diplomas on that day.
Portland State has a formal cap-and-gown ceremony at the end of spring term.
To register for the commencement ceremony please visit www.pdx.edu/commencement. An application for degree must be filed with the Office of the Registrar prior to registering for the ceremony.