Celebrate With Pomp & Circumstance

The spring commencement ceremony is the premier event to recognize your accomplishments. This annual tradition officially marks every Buff’s passage into the company of scholars. Whether you’re graduating in the fall, spring or summer semester, you're welcome to attend the spring commencement ceremony. This is your moment—enjoy yourself and soak it all in.

Commencement Ceremony Highlights

The commencement ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. MDT Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Folsom Field stadium. No tickets or registration are required for guests of the graduating students.

The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes. Highlights include:

  • Processional
  • Reading of the CU Boulder Land Acknowledgement
  • Remarks by Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano
  • Congratulatory message from CU President Todd Saliman
  • Commencement address by Steve Wozniak
  • Senior Class Council address
  • Senior class celebratory video
  • Acknowledgment of Chancellor’s Recognition Awards and Outstanding Graduates
  • Conferral of degrees by college and school
  • Welcome to the Forever Buffs family
  • Reading of the Norlin Charge by a University of Colorado regent
  • Performance of the alma mater

Chancellor’s Recognition Award

At the spring commencement ceremony, the chancellor will present some students with the Chancellor’s Recognition Award, which honors students who have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout their college career. The university will notify the award recipients in April.

Outstanding Graduates

Every semester, faculty or staff nominate an outstanding student in each college or school based on academic merit and a record of service or leadership. These students will receive special recognition during the commencement ceremony and in the commencement program.

Recognition Ceremonies

Many colleges, schools, departments and programs hold individual recognition ceremonies. At these events, you may have your name called as you cross the stage. Start planning how you want to mark the occasion.

Spring Recognition Ceremonies