Dear Class of 2026 graduates and families,

Happy Commencement Weekend! As you embark on the final stages of your journey as a Puget Sound student, embrace the fun and excitement that lies ahead. Be sure to review the important details below to guide you through a smooth and memorable Commencement experience.

For the latest schedule of events, ceremony information, and much more, please visit the Commencement website.

Please take a moment to review the Graduate Ceremony Instructions before you arrive for the ceremony. You must arrive on time at 1 p.m. at Karlen Quad to join the processional lineup. Please keep in mind that you will not be allowed to bring bags, backpacks, or purses with you to the ceremony. You may only bring what you can carry in your hands or pockets. We ask all graduates to zip up their gowns to present a unified and polished appearance throughout the ceremony.

University of Puget Sound holds its Commencement Ceremony outdoors. Please note that not all seating in the stadium is covered, so there is limited protection from the sun, wind, or rain.

We strongly encourage guests to prepare for various weather conditions by bringing items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, and raincoats. Rain ponchos will be available under each seat on the field.

In the event of severe weather, such as lightning, the threat of lightning, or high winds, an announcement with instructions will be made from the stage.

Student and guest parking will be available throughout campus. Campus parking options can be found using our interactive map or printable campus map. Please be advised that N. 11th St., located in front of Baker Stadium, between N. Union Ave. and N. Lawrence St. will be closed on the day of the Commencement Ceremony. 

All bags are subject to search upon entry into the stadium. Guests are permitted to bring a single small, clear bag no larger than 14" wide, 14" high, and 6" deep into the stadium. Alternatively, small clutches, purses, and wallets not exceeding 4.5" by 6.5" are also allowed, along with bleacher chairs and cushions. Larger bags, backpacks, coolers, and similar items are strictly prohibited. Guests are permitted to bring bleacher seat cushions into the stadium.

Reserved seating on the field is available for those needing ground-level seating. A covered tent is available for those needing wheelchair access, captioning, and/or an American Sign Language interpreter. Specific seats are not assigned. Upon arrival, ushers inside the stadium gates will direct guests to the ADA seating. 

Dedicated accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Weyerhaeuser Hall Parking Lot (P2 Parking) and Wyatt Hall Parking Lot (P13 Parking).

For those needing assistance, shuttle service to and from the stadium will be available at the Wyatt Hall Parking Lot between noon and 2 p.m., and between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Shuttles will drop guests off at the west stadium gate entrance closest to the ADA seating on the field. Please note that shuttles are standard passenger vans and not ADA-compliant.

Additional accessible parking options can be found using our interactive map or printable campus map.

Celebrate the achievement of the Puget Sound Class of 2026 with graduation flowers, teddy bears, and our special class T-shirts featuring graduate names. Honor this momentous occasion by pre-ordering gifts for convenient onsite pickup at the ceremony. Gifts will also be available for purchase onsite at the pop-up gift tent inside the stadium.

Family and friends unable to join us in person may watch the 134th Commencement Ceremony live at pugetsound.edu/commencement. Pre-show content will begin streaming at noon on Sunday, May 10. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

It is important that we preserve the dignity and integrity of this special ceremony. We ask that all graduates and guests stay for the entire ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, please remain standing at your seat until the platform party, faculty, and graduates have exited the field.

Commencement is a substance-free ceremony. To ensure that you can participate fully in the Commencement Ceremony, please do not bring alcohol or any other substances to campus. Washington state law and university policy prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public areas. Complying with state and university regulations and promoting good behavior will help to ensure that you, your classmates, and your guests will have an enjoyable Commencement experience.

Members of the Class of 2026, families, guests, faculty, and staff are invited to the Commencement Brunch on Sunday, May 10, in Wheelock Student Center. Brunch will be served in three separate seatings: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. A delicious brunch menu will be served in The Diner, with communal seating available in lower and upper Marshall Hall. 

Limited brunch tickets are still available. Tickets are $14.95 for Class of 2026 graduates, $35 for adults, $12.95 for children 12 and under, and $40 on the day of Commencement. Tickets may be purchased in advance until May 8 or until sold out. 

We are thrilled to welcome you and your family to the Class of 2026 Ceremony, and we hope you find inspiration and joy throughout Commencement weekend!

Please contact commencement@pugetsound.edu with any questions.

Thank you,

Office of Events