Commencement FAQs

Willamette University does not rent wheelchairs; however, golf carts will be available to transport guests from the Hatfield Fountain (“chicken fountain”) to the commencement site.

• Your cap, gown, hood, and tassel will be given to you during the last week of classes. For MSDS students, this means you will receive your regalia set on August 12 during the final capstone class.
• We will coordinate your pickup and checkout if you’re unable to attend the last week of classes in person.
• Please steam your regalia in advance of the ceremony. Steaming your hood and gown will ensure that they will be smooth and free of wrinkles for pictures. Please also try on your gown to make sure it fits.
• Please wear your cap (with the tassel) and gown on the day of Commencement. Bring your hood; you will be given further instructions before the ceremony.
• Lastly, please retain and bring the bag that your regalia set comes in. It will help us track returns when we collect your gown and hood after the reception.

Expect the MBA-P and MS ceremony to last approximately 1-1½ hours. In addition, it can take more time than expected for graduates, family members and friends to reunite and exit campus.

During the ceremony, you will be presented with a diploma cover to borrow for photos. These covers will be collected at the end of the event.

Your official diploma and diploma cover will be mailed to you.

The hood is part of the masters’ regalia. You will be hooded by faculty members as part of the ceremony.

Make sure to unbutton the hood. Fold your hood in half lengthwise so that the colors are on the inside and not showing. Carry your hood draped neatly on your right arm while walking.

If your hood has a loophole at the front, it’s recommended that you wear a shirt with a button or bring a bobby pin to secure it.

We ask that family members not approach the stage to take pictures during the Commencement ceremony. The University has contracted with professional photographers to take photos of all graduates. These photos capture the moment graduates are hooded and receive their diploma.

After the event, you will be sent a link via your school email to view and purchase photos.

Commencement is a special event for all involved. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be removed from the event.

The following items are prohibited:

• Alcohol. Anyone intoxicated or perceived to be intoxicated will be removed from the event.
• Fireworks
• Weapons of any kind
• Large banners, posters, signs or flags on poles
• Artificial noisemakers
• Bullhorns or other sound amplification devices
• Tobacco, cannabis or other smoking products
• Laser pointers or devices
• Drones

Bon Appetit will cater an elegant reception immediately following the ceremony. Appetizers and light refreshments will be served. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available.

The reception will take place in Cat Cavern, on the second floor of the Putnam University Center. Tickets are not required to attend the reception.

These items are not allowed inside Hudson Hall:

• Any food items
• Beverages, including water
• Balloons
• Fresh-cut flowers

We will ask you to place these items on a table in the lobby and collect them after the ceremony. You may have these items at the reception.

Due to the capacity of the hall, we will also ask you to leave strollers in the lobby and collect them after the ceremony.

Doors will open for families and guests starting at 9:30 a.m. Graduates will be seated in a marked area in the first few rows of the front section. Guests may be seated anywhere else in Hudson Hall, including in the front section. You may reserve seats; one person must remain with their reserved seats at all times.

Each graduating student will be given four guest tickets. Tickets are required for entry to the ceremony.

• Visiting Salem Campus
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• Printable Campus Map
• Interactive Campus Map