Dear Graduating Student:
As a candidate for a degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, you are cordially invited to participate in the university commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 11, at Folsom Field.
Please plan to join Chancellor DiStefano and CU Boulder faculty and staff as we celebrate your accomplishments, mark your passage into the company of scholars and welcome you to the Forever Buffs family.
Colleges, schools, departments and programs will also hold individual recognition ceremonies May 11–13, so be sure to check for details.
As you begin to prepare for the big day, here are some important details that will help you have a successful experience. Please also continue to visit the commencement website for the most up-to-date information.
What to do before graduation
Pre-graduation checklist
Please review the pre-graduation checklist to make sure your academic and financial standings clear you to graduate.
Academic regalia (caps and gowns)
The university commencement ceremony is an academic ceremony; all participants must wear traditional CU academic regalia. Please refer to the commencement website for specific deadlines and details for ordering and receiving your regalia.
- Undergraduates are required to buy regalia for the ceremony from the CU Book Store.
- Master’s, doctoral and law students are required to buy regalia online from Jostens. The deadline for graduate student orders is Wednesday, April 5.
Grad Appreciation Days
Look for special celebration opportunities in the days leading up to commencement, including Grad Bash. Grad Bash is a CU tradition hosted by the Alumni Association to celebrate being a Forever Buff. The event includes free food, drinks, a DJ and more.
Stay tuned
You’ll see reminders and more details in the weeks to come via CU Boulder Today and other channels about preparing for and celebrating your graduation.
What to expect on May 11
| 7—8 a.m. |
Refreshments on Norlin Quad |
| 8 a.m. |
Processional departs promptly from Norlin Quad to Folsom Field |
| 8—8:45 a.m. |
Procession, security screening and student seating
Ceremony begins as soon as all students are seated |
| By 11:30 a.m. |
Ceremony concludes |
Congratulations on nearing the completion of your degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. I look forward to greeting you on May 11.
Sincerely,
Bud Coleman
Professor and Commencement Marshal
