Here's what you need to know about the 2021 commencement

The University of Oregon’s 145th commencement ceremony will celebrate the achievements of 4,827 graduates in a live webcast Saturday, June 12, starting at 9 a.m. Here are the details:

  • The commencement address will be given by Ty Burrell, the award-winning actor who attended the UO in the late 1980s. Other speakers will be UO President Michael H. Schill and Isaiah Boyd, 2020-21 president of the Associated Students of the University of Oregon.
  • The main webcast will be followed by prerecorded ceremonies for schools and colleges at approximately 10 a.m. All graduates who opted in to their school or college ceremony will have their names read as part of the broadcasts. Students were given the option of adding a photo, video and message to personalize their recognition.
  • Two in-person outdoor activities will also be held on commencement day. These events are for preregistered graduates only and participants must observe all COVID-19 and university conduct guidelines at all times. The Grad Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. in front of Matthew Knight Arena. Graduates will parade west on East 13th Avenue to the Memorial Quad, where a livestreamed stage procession will follow.
  • In addition to the schools and colleges, other ceremonies mark the accomplishments of multicultural and identity-based student groups, including the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence, Black Grad Ceremony and Lavender Graduation.
  • Graduates who opted in will receive a celebration box with special gifts to help them commemorate their big day. Digital wallpaper and printable posters are also available online.
  • The School of Law celebrated its graduates with a virtual celebration May 15.
  • The class of 2021 is invited to return to campus and attend next year’s traditional in-person commencement celebration. Graduates are encouraged to forward their UO email to their personal email address before they graduate, so they can stay informed of plans for Commencement 2022.