CAS 2026 Commencement Highlights
Highlights from the June 15 University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.
Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages
Updating core education to help deliver a more modern liberal arts education
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES — As higher education faces pressure to improve affordability, shorten time to graduation and increase student retention, the College of Arts and Sciences is revising its core education offerings. Because CAS is responsible for more than 85% of core ed at the University of Oregon, it has an opportunity to drive meaningful change for students.
Special conference argues for autonomous higher education
SCHNITZER SCHOOL — Around the world, scholars are confronting how authoritarian power reshapes higher education. The “Global Futures of Higher Education: Autonomy in the Crosshairs” conference brought together 32 speakers to examine this challenge.
Hundreds of eager high schoolers travel to UO for language day
SCHNITZER SCHOOL — Over 675 Oregon high school students — from Pendleton to Medford — attended the 2026 Foreign Language & International Studies (FLIS) Day at the University of Oregon on May 1. It’s a celebration and exploration of language and culture featuring more than 65 language and culture-related presentations, workshops and hands-on activities.
CAS faculty members discuss social impact of research
Four College of Arts and Sciences faculty members will discuss the social impact of research during the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) Week of Research and Innovation. The event is 10:30 am to noon Wednesday, April 8, at the Cedar and Spruce rooms in the Erb Memorial Union.
Career preparation is a priority in the College of Arts and Sciences
CAREER PREPARATION — Tasked with meeting the College of Arts and Sciences career preparation goal, Assistant Dean for Career Preparation Yifang Zhang developed and implemented the Career Leaders Program. The program focuses on providing tools and resources to reframe and elevate the school's existing effort in career preparation in classrooms.
Undergraduate enrollment in Romance languages is on the rise
ROMANCE LANGUAGES - As language learning declines nationwide, the Romance Languages in the College of Arts and Sciences are on the rise, thanks to reimagining curriculum to promote student success, and the results are undeniable.
Celebrating research and innovation April 6–10
Throughout the week of April 6–10, 2026, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, along with campus partners, will host a series of events open to faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, and staff. The event will feature researchers throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.
An unexpected major becomes a global career
SPANISH - College of Arts and Sciences alum Brandon Rigby enjoyed studying Spanish, but it wasn’t until a professor suggested he major in it that he dove in. With multiple overseas assignments under his belt, he is now a global diplomat for the U.S. Department of State.
Preparing to meet the moment now and beyond
On the cusp of a new year, Tykeson Dean of Arts and Sciences Chris Poulsen took time to share what he is most excited about in the College of Arts and Sciences, now and into the future. "The success of this strategy doesn't depend on a few leaders. It depends on all of us," Poulsen said.