We will come together to recognize the many accomplishments of our graduates and mark their passage into the company of scholars at 8:30 a.m. MDT Thursday, May 9, 2024. The main commencement ceremony will be held at Folsom Field stadium. No tickets or registration required.

Recognition Ceremonies

Many colleges, schools, departments, programs and groups hold individual recognition ceremonies following the main commencement ceremony, with most events occurring between Thursday, May 9 and Saturday, May 11.  A schedule of these events will be available in early October 2023. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Highlights of the Commencement Ceremony

The commencement ceremony lasts about 3 hours and features the following elements:

  • Processional
  • Reading of the CU Boulder Land Acknowledgement
  • Remarks by Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano
  • Congratulatory message from CU President Todd Saliman
  • Commencement speaker address 
  • 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

The University of Colorado Boulder welcomes Native American and Indigenous students and their families to wear and display traditional Native American or Indigenous regalia at graduation. Regalia might include accessories such as beads, jewelry, feathers or leis and clothes, blankets and footwear. Only enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe should wear or possess eagle feathers.

All commencement events will be held in accordance with applicable campus policies and public health guidelines with the goal of providing a safe and meaningful experience for all. Please visit CU Boulder’s COVID-19 Updates page for the latest on public health measures applicable to university events.