Each June, the Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program concludes its 10-day summer residency on the Forest Grove Campus with graduation. Join us as members of the low-residency program gather for shared inspiration and support, celebrating their achievements of creativity and study.

Graduating Student Information

• Rehearsal
  • Rehearsal will take place the day prior to graduation in Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center. Participants are required to attend.
• Arrive Early
  • The graduation ceremony begins at 4 p.m. All graduating students should arrive by 3:15 to pick up their regalia and prepare for the processional.
• Graduation Gear
  • Students will receive their caps and gowns prior to the ceremony. Graduating students may also want to purchase additional gear to celebrate their graduation: 
    • Duplicate diploma orders available through BoxerOnline.
    • Graduate announcements are available for purchase through CB Grad Announcements.
    • Diploma Frames may be purchased through Framing Success.
    • Class rings are available through Balfour.
• Photos 
  • A university photographer will take a portrait of each graduate on stage, as well as candid photos throughout the day. These images will be available to view and download, free, for personal use, approximately two weeks after the ceremony. If you do not wish to be in these images, please step out of any shots when possible or contact marcom@contact.pacificu.edu to have any photos of you removed from the albums after Commencement.
• Hometown News
  • In the weeks following Commencement, news releases are sent to graduating students’ hometown newspapers announcing your graduation. If you do not wish to have a news release issued on your behalf, please contact Marketing & Communications at marcom@contact.pacificu.edu.

Guest Information

• Getting Around Campus
  • The June MFA Commencement ceremony takes place in the Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center on the Pacific University Forest Grove Campus.
  • Getting Here
  • Parking Lot C is the most convenient place to park for the MFA in Writing commencement ceremony. The parking lot includes accessible parking spaces.
  • All Pacific University parking lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No parking permits are needed during Commencement. Please be courteous when parking on the streets in the neighborhoods around campus and follow all posted traffic regulations on city streets.
• Seating
  • All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open one hour before the ceremony begins. Accessible seating is available in both the front and back rows in McCready Hall. All aisles must be kept clear during the ceremony.
  • Seating Chart (pdf)
• Amenities
  • Pacific University is a completely smoke-free campus. Smoking and vaping of any kind is prohibited on all campus property, including parking lots.
• Accommodations
  • Plan ahead to stay in Forest Grove or nearby during Commencement Weekend! Historic Forest Grove is the perfect place to launch your exploration of Washington County. Enjoy wine country, take a day trip into Portland or to the Oregon Coast, explore the Tillamook State Forest, or get out and about in our bike friendly communities.
  • Check out lodging, dining and tourism opportunities at visitforestgrove.com.