Commencement for students
Students who have graduated fall 2025 or will be completing their degree or certificate this winter, spring, or summer 2026 are invited to participate.
Student speaker
Each year, one graduating student is selected to address their fellow graduates at PCC’s commencement ceremony. We are looking for 2025-26 graduates who have an inspirational story to share. Interested? Apply to be a student speaker!
Student speaker application
Applications are due Friday, April 17
2026 ceremony details
- Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
- Time: Students need to arrive at the coliseum at 5:30pm, ceremony starts at 7pm
- Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Ramsey Way Portland, OR 97208
- To participate: RSVPs must be submitted by May 19 at 5pm. Only graduates and candidates need to RSVP, family and friends do not need to RSVP.
Note: at the coliseum, you will be photographed or videotaped. By participating in commencement, you permit PCC to publish your image in photo/video materials related to the ceremony. The recording could also appear on the PCC website or social media including YouTube and Facebook.
Caps and gowns
All graduates participating in the commencement ceremony will need to wear a cap and gown. Caps and gowns will be sold at PCC bookstores. These items can also be ordered online!
- Cap and gown: $36.90
- Announcements: price varies depending on announcement choice. Students can buy announcements at the bookstore ($5.95 for a pack of 10) or personalized announcements through Jostens.
- Tassel: standard tassel: $5.95, bling tassel: $10.95
Honor cords
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0 by the end of Winter 2026 will be eligible to wear honors cords. Eligible students will receive an honors notice in their PCC email. You must bring this email to the bookstore to purchase an honor cord. Honor cords: $11.95
Veteran cords
PCC appreciates the service to our country from our veteran students. To honor this service, we’re happy to provide red, white, and blue cords for veteran students to wear with their cap and gown. Cords will be available two weeks prior to the ceremony at any Veterans Resource Center. There is no fee for the cord.
Take the shuttle to commencement
On the day of commencement, parking will be free at Cascade Campus and we will offer free shuttles from Cascade to the Memorial Coliseum. Friends and family are welcome to ride!
- From: Cascade Campus
- To: Veterans Memorial Coliseum
- When: starting at 4pm, shuttles depart and return every 20 minutes. The last shuttle leaves the coliseum 45 minutes after the ceremony ends.
What can I bring to the ceremony?
Please do not bring valuables. There is no place to store them and unfortunately, things have been stolen in the past. Whatever you bring, you will take into the auditorium with you. There is no changing area available. No food, drinks, gift baskets, presents, or helium balloons are allowed into the facility. Memorial Coliseum has a strict bag policy: bags 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller are allowed inside. Anything larger is not allowed and guests will be asked to return bags to their cars.
What about guests?
The commencement ceremony is open invitation and no tickets are required for guests. You can invite as many guests as you would like. See information for guests.
Printed commencement program
Only ceremony attendees who RSVP by the deadline (May 19, 2026 ) are listed in the commencement program.
Questions and answers about commencement
Who is eligible to participate in commencement?
Students who complete or will complete degrees during the fall 2025, winter 2026, or spring 2026 terms, and those who anticipate completing during summer 2026, are invited to participate.
Is commencement required to graduate?
No. Participation in commencement is optional and does not affect whether you receive your degree.
When and where will commencement be held?
Friday, June 12th, 2026 Memorial Coliseum 300 N. Ramsey Way Portland, OR 97208.
What time should graduates arrive?
Graduates need to arrive at the coliseum at 5:30pm.
What should graduates wear?
All graduates participating in the commencement ceremony will need to wear a cap and gown.
Where do I order my cap and gown?
Gowns are available for purchase through the PCC bookstore.
Are stoles and decorations allowed?
Yes, stoles and decorations are allowed.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes, we encourage you to decorate and personalize your cap.
Are tickets required for guests?
No, we do not use tickets. The ceremony is open to all guests.
Is seating assigned?
Student seating is arranged by degree and in alphabetical order. Guest seating is generally first-come, first-served, except for accessible seating,which is available once the guest arrives at the Coliseum.
Are children allowed to attend?
Yes, children are welcome to attend; however, childcare is not available. Please make arrangements accordingly.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the venue will offer accessible seating and entrances. Guests needing accommodations should arrive early.
Can graduates request special accommodations?
Yes. Graduates needing accommodations should note that when they RSVP for commencement.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed, and a link to the live stream will be available on the PCC website on the day of the event.
Will professional photos be taken?
A professional photographer will be present to take pictures as graduates cross the stage. Information on how to view and purchase photos will be shared with graduates closer to the commencement day.
How do I get my name in the commencement program, and is there a deadline?
To get your name in the commencement program, you must RSVP online. The deadline is May 19.
Will I receive my diploma at commencement?
No. Graduates will receive a diploma cover as they cross the stage. Diplomas are mailed six to eight weeks after the term in which the student completes all graduation requirements.
Is parking available?
PCC is offering free Parking at the Cascade Campus and a free shuttle to the Coliseum. There is parking available at the Coliseum. It costs $10.
Where do graduates need to go when they arrive at the Coliseum, and are there any security or bag restrictions graduates should know about?
Once graduates arrive at the Coliseum, they should proceed downstairs to the Exhibit Hall and follow the posted signs. For everyone’s safety, graduates will go through a metal detector. Bags larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ will not be permitted.
We recommend that graduates bring only their regalia and encourage them to leave personal items with guests. There is no place to store belongings during the ceremony, and we cannot guarantee their safety.