HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE YOUR 2023 COMMENCEMENT EXPERIENCE MEMORABLE

PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CORVALLIS

More than 24,000 graduates and guests will come to Corvallis for the 2023 Commencement ceremony. Make your travel plans early:

PLAN AHEAD FOR COMMENCEMENT DAY

  • Walk or carpool to campus.
  • Arrive at Reser Stadium early.
  • Do not bring prohibited items.

PARKING

General parking is available throughout campus:

  • Download a Commencement Parking Map.
  • The Reser Stadium parking lot - indicated in blue on the Commencement Parking Map - is reserved for parking for those with disabilities or mobility concerns. A Disabled Person Parking Permit issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles is required for all spaces marked reserved for ADA accessible parking.
  • There will be a Beaver Shuttle Bus running throughout campus 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to transport guests to/from Reser Stadium. Shuttle stops can be identified on the Commencement Parking Map. 
  • Campus parking lots will be served by accessible shuttle busses.
  • The parking garage on the corner of SW 26th Street and SW Washington Way (across from Gill Coliseum) is available, but it gets congested easily. Egress out of the parking garage following Commencement typically takes up to 2 hours. We suggest avoiding the parking garage if possible.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Reser Stadium has a Clear Bag Policy:

  • All graduates and guests attending the 2023 Commencement ceremony must follow this policy.
  • All graduates and guests will be asked to return prohibited items to their vehicles.
  • Visit the Clear Bag Policy page for more information.
  • Review the list of prohibited items ahead of time.

ATTENDING COMMENCEMENT

Congratulations to your Beaver Grad! 

  • The OSU Commencement ceremony is FREE for all to attend.
  • Tickets are not required. 
  • There is no guest limit. All family members and friends are welcome! 

ENTERING/EXITING RESER STADIUM

All guests will enter and exit through the main gates of Reser Stadium: 

  • Gates open at 9 a.m. for guest seating.
  • BEST Security will search clear bags, strollers and wheelchairs at the entry gates.
  • Gate C is designated for guests with mobility concerns or disabilities.
  • Only working staff, graduating students and authorized guests are allowed on the field.

SEATING

Seating for the 2023 Commencement ceremony is available on the east side of Reser Stadium:

  • Seating is first-come, first-served.
  • Reserved seating is not available.
  • Graduates will be seated on the field by college. A diagram of college seating locations is included in the Commencement program.

Seating accommodations are available for guests with mobility concerns or disabilities:

  • Gate C is closest to the elevator and escalators.
  • Sign language interpreters will be displayed on large video screens.
  • Choose seats in the Toyota Club or in the blue section labeled Seating for People with Mobility Concerns (seating diagram coming soon).
  • Guests who prefer indoor, climate-controlled settings may sit in the Toyota Club where the ceremony will be livestreamed with captions.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Concession stands will be open for guests:

  • Food, water and other beverages (no alcohol) will be available.
  • No outside food or beverages are allowed.
  • Guests may bring clear, factory-sealed bottled water or empty plastic water bottles.

WEATHER

  • Commencement is a rain-or-shine event.
  • Umbrellas must fit within a clear bag and cannot be opened once inside Reser Stadium.
  • Open umbrellas are not permitted inside Reser Stadium.
  • Please come prepared for the weather.
    • For sun: Sunscreen, hats and visors are suggested.
    • For rain: Ponchos are available for purchase at the OSU Beaver Store located inside Reser Stadium on the main concourse.