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Commencement

Graduates gather at a commencement ceremony, dressed in traditional caps and gowns, marking a significant milestone in their lives.

Congratulations, graduates! We know that you have been working hard to reach this important milestone in your educational journey. Congratulations on arriving at the end of this chapter! It is a significant accomplishment, and we are so proud of you.

Corban holds two Commencement ceremonies each year, in December and May.
The ceremony you are eligible to participate in is determined by when you complete your degree requirements.

Friday, December 11, 2026
2:00 p.m.

Psalm Performing Arts Center
Corban University
5000 Deer Park Dr SE
Salem, OR 97317

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for guests.

For students who complete their degree requirements in August (summer semester) or December (fall semester).

Saturday, May 1, 2027
10:00 a.m.

C.E Jeffers Sports Center
Corban University
5000 Deer Park Dr SE
Salem, OR 97317

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for guests.

For students who complete their degree requirements in May (spring semester).

Graduate Check-in Times

12:30 p.m.

  • December Commencement Doors Open at 12:30 p.m.
    Arrive NO LATER than 1:15 p.m.
    Check in at Psalm Center Annex

8:30 a.m.

  • May Commencement Doors Open at 8:30 a.m.
    Arrive NO LATER than 9:00 a.m.
    Check in at Caulkins Hall

This is a tight timeline, so please be on time. A brief time of instructions will be given following the check-in prior to the start of the ceremony.

  • Arrive with your cap and gown on.
  • Check in to pick up your name card and seating section assignment and be directed to the Commencement staging area.
  • Eat before you come. No food will be available at Commencement.
  • Leave personal items with a family member. There is no storage for personal belongings at the event.

Graduates: Click here for more information about the day of graduation, including what to expect during the ceremony and how to wear your regalia.

Parking

Tickets

Each graduate will receive guest tickets via email approximately six weeks before Commencement. Tickets are not required for children under 2 years of age.

Special Accommodations Seating

Guests who need special accommodations during the ceremony for a disability or mobility challenges may request reserved seating.

Requests must be submitted by the following deadlines:

  • December Commencement: November 10
  • May Commencement: April 1

For any further questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@corban.edu or call (503) 375-7017.

Graduates celebrate at commencement, while one captures the moment on video.
A group of graduates in caps and gowns pose for a photo outside before their commencement ceremony.
A diverse group of graduates in blue gowns and caps proudly stand together at their commencement ceremony.

Virtual Viewing / Livestream

The May Commencement will be livestreamed for friends and family who wish to watch the ceremony but are unable to attend.

While tickets to the Commencement ceremony in the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center are limited to six per graduate, additional first-come first-served seating will be available in the Psalm Center on Corban’s campus for livestream viewing.

A livestream will not be available for the December Commencement.

Getting Your Cap & Gown

Your cap, gown, and diploma cover are available at Grad Finale. Caps, gowns, and cords will NOT be available for pick-up on the day of Commencement.

Cords

Corban allows graduates to wear cords during Commencement that represent cultural, athletic, or international identity. These may be purchased using this order form. 

Veteran and honors cords will be provided by the Registrar’s Office at no additional cost.

Only approved cords may be worn during Commencement. Stoles, cap decorations, unapproved cords, or other embellishments are not permitted and will not be allowed during the ceremony. This rule will be enforced by Corban University staff.

Diplomas

You will not receive your diploma at graduation. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates 6-8 weeks after Commencement if all degree requirements have been fulfilled and there is no outstanding financial obligation to the University. August and December grads should have already received diplomas in the mail.

Ordering Graduation Announcements and Class Rings

Graduation announcements and class rings can be ordered online directly from Jostens at www.jostens.com.

More Information: