Dear Class of 2023 Graduate,
Commencement Weekend, the time to celebrate and recognize the achievements of the graduating class, is almost here! The final stages of your journey as a Puget Sound student will be fun and full of excitement, but there are several details you will need to take care of prior to graduation.
Use the following information to help prepare for a stress-free Commencement Weekend. As May 14 approaches watch your inbox for the latest updates about graduation festivities, guest tickets, and other additional details throughout the spring semester. All emailed graduation communications will also be posted on the website.
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations will be happy to help answer your Commencement-related inquiries. Please contact us at 253.879.3245 or alumoffice@pugetsound.edu.
Best wishes during this exciting time,
Office of Alumni and Parent Relations
Commencement Ceremony Details
The 2023 Commencement Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 14 in Baker Stadium. Event gates open at noon and guest seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony will conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Ceremony Instructions for Students
Learn more about the stadium policies, parking information, preparing for Washington weather, and considerations for guests who may need accommodations. Most recent update regarding Accessibility Accommodations. If you have questions or accommodation needs, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations.
Please note that tickets are required to attend the Commencement Ceremony.
Each graduate will receive six guest tickets to distribute to family and friends. Graduates do not need a ticket as they will be participating in the ceremony. Tickets will be distributed electronically. Additional tickets will be available by request in the spring. Graduates and their families will be notified by email when these additional tickets become available.
Other Commencement Weekend Events
Many individual departments and programs host their own receptions the weekend of Commencement. View the schedule of departmental receptions and identity-based celebrations (PDF).
Academic Convocation, a celebration of student achievement, will take place on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. in Schneebeck Concert Hall. The event will feature remarks by selected student and faculty speakers and the presentation of university awards. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
A reception for all graduates and their guests will take place after the Commencement ceremony concludes at approximately 4:30 p.m. on the Event Lawn.
Stay tuned for information on additional weekend events!
Grad Fair
Stop by the Rasmussen Rotunda on either Wednesday, March 1 or Tuesday, March 2 from noon - 4 p.m. for Grad Fair! You can order or pickup your cap and gown, take professional graduation portraits, talk to the registrar's office, check out grad programs, learn about becoming an alumni, and more! A Grad Fair invite will be emailed to grads in early 2023.
Caps and Gowns
You will need a black cap and gown to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Caps, gowns, and announcements can be ordered from our regalia vendor, National Achiever. You can find order deadlines and cap and gown distribution information here. Please note that any honor cords will be distributed by individual departments or programs.
Name Pronunciation Sessions
For those with commonly mispronounced names, please help our Provost by attending one of these sessions in Murray Boardroom in Wheelock Student Center.
- Thursday, April 27 | 8–10 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 2 | 12–2 p.m.
- Thursday, May 4 | 12–2 p.m.
- Friday, May 5 | 12–2 p.m.
- Monday, May 8 | 2–4 p.m.
Where to Stay
Some area hotels offer a Commencement discount to Puget Sound families! Many families also enjoy booking local home rentals in the area (more comprehensive list of area hotels and transportation).
Your Last Semester
Don’t forget the details. Tie up those loose ends and have a smooth and stress-free final semester. Get information about degree requirements, your diploma, student finances, and returning library materials.
December Grads
Graduating in December? All December graduates are invited to participate in the May 2023 Commencement events! Please update your contact information or contact Alumni and Parent Relations with any change in your email and/or mailing address so that you will continue to receive Commencement communications.
Becoming Alumni
Your adventures as a Logger have only just begun. You are about to join an alumni community of over 40,000 Loggers across the globe with unique stories and careers. Our alumni want to meet you and learn from you. Use these resources to prepare for life after Commencement and connect with members of the Logger community.
