Cultural and Affinity Commencement Celebrations

The Alumni Association partners with student and alumni groups and the Center for Cultural Connections & Community (The Center) to host graduation celebrations recognizing students' accomplishments in the CU Boulder community.

These programs are open to all CU Boulder students and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state, federal, and Regent law.

Register for Black, Lavender, and Latinx Graduation Ceremonies here:

Stoles, Cords and Academic Dress

In addition to the now-traditional caps and gowns worn at commencement, you may wear stoles, cords and sashes to represent communities, clubs and organizations you are a part of at CU Boulder. Read the complete list of commencement regalia and contact the corresponding unit to learn more.

Graduating students can register to receive complimentary academic dress (stoles) for any of the groups they identify with.

The Alumni Association provides:

Asian American Pacific Islander Graduation (AAPI Stole)
First Generation Stole
Black Graduation (Kente Cloth)
Lavender Graduation (Lavender Rainbow Stole)
Latinx Graduation (Sarape Stole)

Pickup from March 23 – April 30 at Koenig Alumni Center

Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) BBQ

Save the Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
5—7 p.m.
Koenig Alumni Center

*Plus AAPI Grad Stole pick up

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community and the Center for Student Involvement

Black Graduation

Save the Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
3—5 p.m.
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community and the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS)

Golden Buffalo Marching Band Graduation

Save the Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
6—8 p.m.
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association

Latinx Graduation

Save the Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
12—2 p.m.
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association and the Center for Cultural Connections & Community

Lavender Graduation

Save the Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
1—3 p.m.
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Pride Office, and the LGBTQ Studies Program

Native and Indigenous Graduation

Save the Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
6—8 p.m.
Koenig Alumni Center

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the Center for Cultural Connections & Community, and the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS)

For graduating students and their guests:

Please register for Native and Indigenous Graduation by Friday, March 13

For non-graduating community members:

Community Member Ceremony Registration