5/1/2024

Dear Campus Community,

As we near the end of the academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our graduating students on their remarkable achievements. Commencement is a deeply meaningful ceremony representing the pinnacle of a student’s academic experience and the beginning of a new journey for an alum’s lifelong learning. I could not be more proud of the Classes of 2024 for their curiosity, their determination, and their perseverance in reaching this momentous accomplishment.

Commencement week has already begun with departmental ceremonies and families and friends coming into town, and it will close with the Commencement ceremony and reception on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. Here are some important details to ensure a smooth and successful weekend.

  • The Commencement ceremony is a ticketed event, and all guests are required to have a ticket to enter the Baker Stadium / Peyton Field area.
  • 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. Larger bags, backpacks, coolers, and similar items are strictly prohibited.
  • We hold our Commencement ceremony outdoors in celebration of the striking Pacific Northwest environment. It is important to note that not all seating for the ceremony will be covered. We strongly encourage you to prepare for various weather conditions by bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, umbrellas, raincoats, etc. Rain ponchos will be provided underneath each seat on the field. In the event of hazardous weather, an announcement will be made to move the ceremony into Memorial Fieldhouse.
  • For more information, or to view the livestream of the event, visit the Ceremony Information page.

As you have seen from previous messages, we are aware of the encampment currently stationed on Todd Field. We have provided clear and extensive instructions to the students involved to ensure that regular campus events, like Final Exams and Commencement, will occur without interference. Puget Sound supports students' right to protest and free speech while prioritizing the safety and security of the entire campus community.

We expect all individuals–including protestors, supporters, and detractors–to conduct themselves with respect and civility, ensuring that campus operations and events proceed without disruption. It is important to emphasize that any form of violence or harassment towards any individuals or groups will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

I want to assure all members of our campus community, and especially our graduating seniors, that we are committed to providing a Commencement experience full of joy and celebration, and one that appropriately recognizes their accomplishments, achievements and remarkable resilience as Loggers. I join with our trustees, faculty and staff members, students and alumni in acknowledging that this is an especially meaningful event for our graduates and their families, as many of our seniors had their high school graduations canceled and then experienced an unprecedented remote start to college due to the COVID pandemic. We therefore want to make this year’s Commencement even more special, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to keep our campus and our community members safe so the event can take place as planned.

Please join me in congratulating the Classes of 2024!

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President