Here's what you need to know about commencement 2019

The University of Oregon’s 143rd commencement ceremony, which takes place Monday, June 17, will see off 5,276 freshly minted graduates ranging in age from 19 to 76 and hailing from 49 states and 53 countries.

Here’s what to know about the big day:

  • The day begins with the Duck Grad Parade through the heart of campus. Regalia-clad graduates, administrators and faculty members will gather at East 13th Avenue and University Street around 8:15 a.m. and make their way to Matthew Knight Arena under the banners of their schools and colleges at 8:45 a.m. University staff members are encouraged to come out to 13th Avenue to support the graduates.
  • The main ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. inside Matthew Knight Arena. Ticketed guests should enter through the north and east entrances and be seated by 9 a.m. To enhance public safety and make access to the arena more efficient, the UO has adopted a clear bag policy: Guests may carry one clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon plastic storage bag.
  • Kate Brown, Oregon’s 38th governor, is the keynote speaker. Student speakers include ASUO President Maria Alejandra Gallegos-Chacón, ethnic studies; Tre’Von Robinson, Latin American studies and Spanish; and Amy Schenk, international studies.
  • Parking doesn’t have to be hard. Avoid campus and park at Autzen Stadium, then grab a free shuttle to campus. Or better yet, take a stroll through Alton Baker Park and across the Willamette River to campus. More details here.
  • The UO is committed to universal access to commencement ceremonies. Here’s an accessibility guide for commencement.
  • In addition to the main ceremony at Matthew Knight Arena, schools, departments and colleges have their own ceremonies. Some take place in the week before the main ceremony; most happen Monday afternoon. Here’s the rundown on department ceremonies.
  • The School of Law celebrated its 133rd graduating class last month. Check out highlights of that ceremony here.
  • We’ve profiled some of the graduates. These students were part of the PathwayOregon program, which covers tuition and fees for 12 terms and provides advising and other support for lower-income Oregonians. These students carved their own path on the way to graduation.