Dear CAS students:

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the seventh week of winter term. Even with flurries in the air and snow on the ground, spring graduation will be here before we know it. I am writing to share information about graduation since the ceremony will be different than in past years.

This year the University of Oregon has moved all graduation ceremonies to a single day, Tuesday, June 20, due to the Juneteenth holiday falling on the traditional Monday day of graduation (June 19, 2023). Because ceremonies to award approximately 5,000 degrees will be held on one day, the university has decided that no college or school, including the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), will be able to hold department-level graduation ceremonies due to space, time, and staffing constraints.   

We know that some students are disappointed by the university’s decision. Though we can't have individual departmental ceremonies, we are working hard to create a meaningful and memorable graduation celebration. The CAS ceremony will include individual recognition of graduates, including walking across the stage as names are called, and receiving diploma covers. PhD students also will have the opportunity to participate in a hooding ceremony. Our graduation ceremony committee is actively working on other program details, and we will share the final plans with you in the coming weeks.

Here are a few key details for you to know now: 

• The University will hold its general graduation celebration beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Autzen Stadium on June 20th.  

• We are actively working to finalize our plans for CAS commencement and expect to send more details to graduating students in early March.  

• Your families are invited to attend both the CAS and UO ceremonies.  

• Graduating students will need to RSVP for both the UO and CAS ceremonies. RSVP info will be shared in March, too.  

For general information about commencement, you may consult the UO commencement website. A CAS-specific web page will be available soon and we will share it with you as it becomes available. If you have specific UO-related commencement questions or concerns, you can email commencement@uoregon.edu.

Commencement marks your incredible hard work and achievements. We are committed to creating a joyful ceremony that honors the occasion. The ceremony will be different than in years past, but we are planning to make it just as meaningful for you and your families.

Sincerely,
Chris Poulsen