Info for Undergraduates

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Completed all your degree requirements? Great! You're one step closer. Now you just have to apply to graduate via Buff Portal, even if you don't plan to participate in a graduation ceremony. We hope to see—and celebrate—you at the main campus and college events. Keep reading for more information on all things graduation.

Mark Your Calendars: 2026 Ceremonies for Graduates 

Students must have submitted their graduation application through Buff Portal to be eligible to graduate and participate in commencement ceremonies.

⭐ University Commencement (May 2)

The University of Colorado Boulder will host the spring 2026 University Commencement Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Folsom Field.

  • The commencement is for CU Boulder students graduating across the university.
  • Stadium gates open at 7 a.m. No tickets are required to attend.
  • Have additional questions? Check out the general ceremony FAQs →
  • Tickets are not required.
⭐  CMDI Recognition Ceremonies (May 3)

CU Boulder colleges, schools, departments and programs also will celebrate the Class of 2025 with individual recognition ceremonies. 

  • CMDI's graduation recognition ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, at the CU Events Center. Graduates must arrive by 7 a.m.
  • Doors open for seating at 7 a.m. No tickets are required to attend.
  • Following the ceremony, join us for a reception at Engebretson Quad. The reception is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Light refreshments will be served.

The Department of Environmental Design will also host a recognition ceremony on Sunday, May 3.

  • 2 to 4 p.m. in the Upper Gymnasium of the CU Recreation Center. Graduates must arrive by 1 p.m.
  • Doors open for seating at 1 p.m. No tickets are required to attend.
  • A reception in the same location will immediately follow the ceremony.

You must RSVP in order to attend either (or both) of these ceremonies.

 

Regalia Information for Ceremony Days

CMCI students at the spring recognition ceremony

Plan ahead for your graduation regalia.

To participate in either the CU or CMDI ceremonies, you must wear academic regalia. You can purchase your regalia from the CU Book Store.

  Learn more 

Spring and Summer 2026 Graduates

Apply to graduate by April 1.

If you plan to graduate this May or August, you must apply by April 1 to get your degree. There are two steps for applying to graduate from CU Boulder and also be recognized in CMDI’s ceremony.

Step 1: Apply to graduate via Buff Portal (required for all students)

In order to get your degree from CU Boulder, you must apply to graduate through Buff Portal for the semester in which you will officially and successfully complete all requirements for the degree(s) and major(s) you're pursuing. Degrees are conferred at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters. Learn more →

By applying to graduate through Buff Portal, as long as you have met graduation requirements, you will also be registered for CU Boulder’s main campus commencement occurring May 2. You are not required to participate in commencement, but must still apply to graduate in order to get your diploma. See the steps for applying on Buff Portal below: 

  • On Buff Portal, search for “graduation” and click “apply to graduate.”
  • Select your graduation term.
  • After you apply and the advising office has accepted your application, you will be on the graduation roster.
    • However, completing this form does not mean you will automatically graduate. You are responsible for making sure your degree audit is correct and that all degree requirements are met. Contact your advisor with any questions.
  • If you are pursuing more than one degree (not major), you will need to repeat this process for the second degree.

You are invited to participate in CMDI's Graduation Recognition Ceremony, where you will have the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive your diploma cover. It will take place on May 3 at the CU Events Center, with a reception to follow. You are not required to participate in the ceremony, but you must RSVP if you plan to.

Secure your seat by completing CMDI’s form no later than April 1.

Winter Graduates

  • You should apply to graduate via Buff Portal as soon as possible, as it is recommended you apply at least six months before you plan to graduate.
    • This is required regardless if you plan to attend a graduation ceremony.
  • Typically, December graduates are automatically included in spring ceremony programs following their graduation.
    • However, if you want to be included in the spring 2026 ceremonies, apply to graduate via Buff Portal by April 1 and, instead of applying for the winter 2026 graduation term, apply for the summer 2026 graduation term. This will allow you to participate in the spring ceremonies, even though you will officially graduate in winter 2026.
    • If you do not apply for the summer 2026 term by April 1, you will be recognized in the May 2027 ceremony instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are taking a Maymester course to graduate, you should apply for the summer term.

Yes. You must apply for the summer term for graduation by April 1 through Buff Portal.

You should also complete this form to be included in CMDI’s ceremony on May 3.

Although you may participate in the May ceremony, December graduates are automatically included in spring ceremony programs following their graduation. If you plan to graduate in December 2026, you will appear in the spring 2027 ceremony and program.

You should also complete this form by April 1 to be included in CMCI’s individual May 3 ceremony.

You will not see a certificate on your record when you apply to graduate. You should be in touch with your certificate program coordinator to be sure you have completed requirements. Certificates are posted and mailed one week after diplomas.

You should see your minor when you apply to graduate. If you do not, contact your advisor.

If you are graduating with two degrees (not two majors) from two different colleges at CU Boulder, you must apply for each one separately on Buff Portal, once for each degree. Dual degrees must be completed and conferred at the same time.

If you are graduating from CMDI from two programs—for example, one is a bachelor of science, and one a bachelor of arts—this is not considered a dual degree. This is a double major, and the primary major determines the degree, per campus and college policy.

You cannot graduate with an “I” or “incomplete” on your record. If you are taking a self-paced course that hasn’t concluded with a grade posted, or have not completed work for a previously granted incomplete, you will not have the degree conferred. 

Contact the instructor from the course you received an “I” in and ask what work you must complete and by what date. If you have questions, ask your advisor.

 

Look for your diploma to arrive in the mail about eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you complete your degree requirements. For more information or to update your diploma address, please visit the Office of the Registrar’s graduation information page.

If you need a certification of graduation in the four weeks between the official degree conferral date and the posting of degrees, you should contact your advisor, who will request a letter confirming your anticipated graduation.

 

Yes! Keep an eye out for the official link closer to the May 3 ceremony.

Have additional questions? Check out these Graduation FAQs →