How does our COVID vaccination policy impact the event?
It is currently OHSU’s policy that all attendees of an OHSU-sponsored event (including staff and organizers) are either fully vaccinated or have received a negative PCR test within 48 hours before the event. By registering or attending the Convocation and/or School hooding ceremonies, you and your guests agree to be in compliance with this policy.

OHSU reserves the right to require further restrictions to attendance, depending on the public-health situation as we draw closer to the graduation events. We may request proof of vaccination or negative PCR test upon entry to the event – we will communicate this in advance if this is the case. As we are all aware, the COVID situation evolves over time, and our response must also evolve.

How can you mitigate the risk of COVID infection at these events?
If you and/or your family members or guests are immunocompromised or at risk, please consider safety when attending the graduation ceremonies, and take necessary precautions to stay safe. This may include masking, distancing if and where possible (remembering that this is a large public event), or staying home on the day to watch a live stream of the event.

Do we have a contingency plan in place in the case that COVID numbers are increasing or a new variant is active at the time of the events?
If conditions change, the decision to hold an in-person event may be revised to match the circumstances. What this means is, if the COVID situation is unsafe, with growing case numbers, hospitalizations and mortalities, we may revert to modified ceremonies that will help event attendees stay safe and healthy. We will be sure to communicate any such decision widely. As the pandemic continues to evolve, and the public-health response shifts and changes, we will share more to help you make decisions.

June 9, 2023 Official Event Schedule

12:00 p.m. Students arrive at OCC for robing and lineup, Exhibit Hall A1
                   Bring cap, gown, hood and tassel. Leave your personal
                   belongings with family.

12:10 p.m. Doors open to guests

1:00 p.m.   OHSU Convocation Ceremony, Exhibit Hall C/D

2:30-3:00 p.m.* Line-up for SOD Hooding Ceremony, Rooms B117-119
                            Retrieve processional card and line-up alphabetically
                            by bridge group or advanced education program.

3:00-4:30 p.m.* School of Dentistry Hooding Ceremony, Exhibit Hall B

4:30 p.m.* School of Dentistry Reception, PreFunction A
                   Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

*Note that start times may vary after the 1:00 p.m. Convocation Ceremony ends

Graduating students: Find updated information regarding convocation on Student Central.

Regalia is required of ALL graduates and faculty participating in the OHSU Convocation and School of Dentistry Hooding Ceremonies. Regalia orders will be placed by the School of Dentistry on behalf of the graduating students. Regalia is now available to be picked up in the Student Services office. The graduates will receive a keeper regalia package that includes cap, gown, hood and tassel. Faculty can return rental regalia to collections boxes in the robing room.

Parking for the Convocation Ceremony can be found at various garages and lots near the Oregon Convention Center. The rate for the OCC facility is $12-15/day paid upon entry. This will facilitate a quick exit at the conclusion of the ceremonies. The TriMet MAX, Streetcar and buses all stop within a block of the OCC.

OHSU has contracted with three hotels. Read on for important information to aid you in booking accommodation.

Hyatt Regency Portland at the Convention Center

• Booking Link or call and reference group code HUPW or OHSU Convocation.
• Deadline to book is May 18, 2023
• Rate: $209+tax
• Directions from OCC

Embassy Suites Portland Downtown

• Booking link
• Deadline to book is May 10, 2023
• Rate: $205+tax
• Directions from OCC
• Note: These are 2 room suites, a living room sofa sleeper and separate bedroom with king/double queen beds.  Rate also includes breakfast and evening social hour with snacks and 2 drink vouchers.

Duniway Boutique Hotel

• Booking link
• Deadline to book is May 22, 2023
• Rate: $159+tax
• Directions from OCC

The Oregon Convention Center is a non-smoking facility.  Alcoholic beverages, helium balloons, pressurized cans and explosive devices, and items containing hazardous substances are strictly forbidden. Stroller parking will be available in the exhibit halls and ballrooms.

The OCC has two nursing mothers’ pods called Mamava available to students and guests. One is located in Pre-function Lobby A space near A103 and the other is in Pre-function Lobby E near the E Meeting rooms.  The code to access these is 8008, or you can use the Mamava app.

• View and purchase Convocation Ceremony photos TBA.
• Pre-register to receive your graduation photos from GradImages.
• View and purchase your Hooding photos from GradImages after the ceremony (Login with your last name, Oregon Health & Science University and 2023)

Diplomas will be available to students once the degree verification process has been completed. Students will receive diploma covers during the Hooding Ceremony. Graduates with outstanding degree requirements should contact Student Services following completion of these requirements.