Commencement Guest FAQ

We’re excited to celebrate with you at the SOJC’s Commencement Ceremony on June 17! You are an invaluable part of the SOJC community as we all come together to honor our graduates’ achievements and this momentous milestone in their lives.  On this page, you'll find details about the SOJC Commencement ceremony's proceedings, what to expect on the big day, accommodation suggestions, and more.

Information for Graduating Students

Table of Contents

When and where is the commencement ceremony?

The SOJC Commencement ceremony will be on Monday, June 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Mathew Knight Arena. Here are directions to Matthew Knight Arena, but please note that guests are strongly encouraged to take a shuttle bus from Autzen Stadium.

Note that the UO Commencement ceremony is a separate event. It will be held on Monday, June 17, at 9:00 a.m. at Autzen Stadium.

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Will the SOJC ceremony conflict with the UO ceremony?

No. Students and their guests are welcome to attend one or both ceremonies.

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Are tickets required?

No. No tickets for either ceremony are required for guests. Students do need to RSVP for the SOJC ceremony, however, as outlined in these instructions.

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Where should I park?

Commencement is an extremely busy time on campus and in the surrounding community. To accommodate our graduates and families, parking on Monday, June 17, will be at Autzen Stadium. Parking is limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking lots at the stadium will open at 6:30 a.m. To help minimize the impacts of traffic, guests and graduates are strongly encouraged to carpool or ride share to the stadium.

Immediately following the conclusion of the University Commencement Ceremony at Autzen at 10 a.m., free shuttle buses will transport guests from Autzen Stadium to campus, where they will make four stops around campus—Matthew Knight Arena, Global Scholars Hall, Frohnmayer Music Building, and the Knight Library—and then return to Autzen Stadium. Shuttles will run continuously throughout the day on Monday, June 17. The last shuttle from campus to Autzen will be at 7:00 p.m., immediately following the SOJC Commencement Ceremony.

Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to park at Autzen Stadium and utilize the shuttles to travel to the main campus. Any vehicle parked in an on-campus lot on Monday, June 17, without a valid permit may be cited.

Parking zones and time limits in the neighborhoods adjacent to campus vary. Please pay attention to all posted signs and placards if parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. The City of Eugene has an interactive parking map available to view.

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What should I do if I have a disability or need special accommodations?

ADA seating will be available in the arena. Please check in at the ADA table at the East Entrance of Matthew Knight Arena for guidance and assistance. There are a limited number of disabled parking spots in the MKA parking garage on 13th Ave. and Lot 37, but we recommend that guests with mobility issues be dropped off at the East Entrance on Villard Street (across from the Market of Choice parking lot) if possible. See Matthew Knight Arena’s Accessibility Guide.

The SOJC will also provide captioning for video content on the Jumbotron as well as two American Sign Language practitioners.

On Sunday, June 16, and Monday, June 17, there will be an access shuttle operating on campus for those with conditions that impact mobility. See this shuttle map for the on-campus route. Please note, this shuttle runs only on campus and does not run to or from Autzen Stadium.

Learn more about the university’s accessibility accommodations and view this campus accessibility map. If you have questions or wish to make additional arrangements, please contact event manager Angie Whittington at acanaday@uoregon.edu.

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Can I bring a confetti cannon, air horn, etc.?

No. The University of Oregon has a zero-tolerance policy that forbids guests bringing and/or using noisemakers, air horns, confetti cannons, etc., within the Mathew Knight Arena at any time before, during, or after the ceremony. Guests who violate this protocol will be immediately asked to leave the ceremony.

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Is there a dress code for the commencement ceremony?

No. Students are encouraged to wear regalia, but it is not required. Please dress comfortably, as the ceremony is likely to last two to three hours, and you will be seated in an air-conditioned arena for a long period of time. Some guests may also need to climb a flight of stairs.

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Can guests take photographs or videos during the ceremony? Will professional photos be taken?

You may take photos and videos, but please remain in your seat to avoid blocking the aisles or obstructing the views of other guests. Please also refrain from using flash photography.

There will also be a professional photographer at the event, and the SOJC will make candid photos from the event available for free download after the event. Please check the SOJC social media channels or monthly Inside SOJC Newsletter for the link to the photo album in late June/early July.

GradImages will also be taking individual photos of each graduate as they receive their diploma. These photos will be available for purchase. Students who register through Marching Order for the ceremony will receive an email from GradImages to the email they provide. You can also search for the student's name on the GradImages website.

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Will the ceremony be live streamed for remote viewing?

No. The ceremony will be projected on the Jumbotron so all guests can see the stage easily, but the university does not offer livestreaming of this ceremony. Please note that the WiFi in the arena is spotty.

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Are there any post-ceremony events or receptions guests should know about?

The university does not host any post-ceremony events. You are welcome to visit one of the many eateries in Eugene, although please note that reservations on this busy day are highly recommended. Please do not make reservations before 7 p.m., as the ceremony is not likely to end until 6:30 or 6:45 p.m.

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What does my student need to do to participate in the SOJC Commencement ceremony?

See the Student Commencement Checklist on the main SOJC Commencement webpage for detailed instructions and deadlines.

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Who should I contact if I have additional questions or need assistance?

Academic questions? Contact the Student Success Center at sojcadvising@uoregon.edu.

Event logistics questions? Email event manager Angie Whittington at acanaday@uoregon.edu.

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Resources

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Helpful Tips

Follow these eight tips to ensure your student’s college graduation day runs smoothly, so you can focus on celebrating their achievements and creating lasting memories together.

  1. Plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the ceremony schedule, location, and any specific instructions or requirements provided by the university. Knowing the logistics in advance will help you navigate the day more efficiently.
  2. Arrive early. Aim to catch a shuttle from Autzen timed to arrive at the venue well before the ceremony starts. This will allow you to locate your seats and avoid last-minute rushes.
  3. Dress appropriately. Consider dressing comfortably and bringing a sweater, as the ceremony will likely last more than two hours and the arena is air conditioned. Some guests may need to climb a flight of stairs, although elevators are available.
  4. Stay hydrated and energized. Carry water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the ceremony. Concessions and water will not be available at the arena before or during the ceremony. Water will be available for students on the arena floor.
  5. Be mindful of etiquette. Show respect during the ceremony by turning off your phone, refraining from talking, and adhering to guidelines set by the university. No air horns, confetti canons, or noise-making devices are allowed in the arena. Please stay seated until the ceremony is finished and the students complete the recessional.
  6. Celebrate responsibly. After the ceremony, celebrate responsibly and consider making reservations in advance if you plan to dine out with family and friends to avoid long wait times.
  7. Have a meet-up plan. Arrange a designated meeting spot with your graduate after the ceremony to avoid confusion in the crowd. This will allow you to celebrate together and take photos as a family.
  8. Enjoy the moment. Most important, remember to enjoy the moment and celebrate this significant milestone in your graduate’s life. Cherish the memories and take pride in their accomplishments. A print program will be provided as a keepsake, and professional photos will be made available in the weeks after the ceremony.

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