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Grad Info Campus Map Parking & Shuttle Info Folsom Field Info ADA Accessibility College/Department Ceremonies
Thursday, May 10, 2018
8:30 a.m.
Folsom Field
Speaker: Kate Brown, Oregon governor and a CU Boulder alumna
“Governor Kate Brown is a distinguished alumna, and we are honored that she will be addressing graduating seniors and their families,” said CU Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano. “Governor Brown has been a strong supporter of working families and education. She embodies a spirit of public service, and we hope she will inspire our students to lead, innovate and make a difference in the world as she has done.”
Guest Seating & Important Folsom Field Information
The stadium gates will open at 7 a.m. the morning of the ceremony. Guests should be in their seats by 8:15 a.m. in order to watch the student processional into the stadium. Early arrival guarantees the best seating. Seating is unlimited for the main campus-wide ceremony at Folsom Field. No tickets are required for this ceremony. Please contact your student's department regarding individual department/college ceremony guidelines.
The event will be held at Folsom Field regardless of the weather.
Colorado weather in May can be unpredictable. We therefore encourage guests to watch the weather forecast so that they may plan and dress accordingly. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in abbreviated form.
Folsom Field Clear Bag Policy Enforced
Folsom Field complies with all TSA and Homeland Security prohibited items lists. The only bags allowed into Folsom Field are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic Ziploc/freezer bag. No other bags are permitted at all; includes backpacks, diaper bags and other similar bags. More details can be found here.
For Your Safety
The University of Colorado Boulder works diligently to provide for the safety of our graduates, their families, and their friends during the Spring 2018 Commencement Exercises. You can do your part by noting the following:
- Clear bag policy for Folsom Field, please click here to review.
- Review the List of Items Prohibited in Folsom Field
- Once you are seated in Folsom Field, locate the nearest exit to your seat. If you are seated on the field level, you should exit north (toward Dal Ward Athletic Center).
- Listen carefully and follow any instructions which may be issued by the Master of Ceremonies or other public safety authority.
- Parents should keep their children with them at all times.
- Pay particular attention to the safety of any elderly persons or persons with disabilities.
- If directed to evacuate Folsom Field, please move away from the stadium and remain outside until you have been given an “all-clear” by a public safety authority.
- If necessary, seek assistance from a robed Commencement marshal, uniformed police officer, or designated security guard.
Graduate Seating
(View Map of Folsom Field)
West side of field: Doctoral; Law, Environmental Design; Media, Communication & Information; Engineering & Applied Science; and Arts & Sciences.
East side of field: Master’s; Music; Business; and Arts & Sciences.
Procession
Students should line up in the Norlin Quadrangle by 7:45 a.m., wearing their academic regalia. Line up will be by school or college. Please look for the signs that indicate your assembly area. The procession will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m from the Norlin Quadrangle. Upon arrival at Folsom Field, students will enter at the north end of the field at gates 14 and 18.
During the Ceremony
Please stand for the singing of the national anthem and the CU alma mater. (Men, please remove caps.) Students should also stand for the conferring of the degrees for their school or college, as announced. Please remain in your seats at the end of the ceremony for the recessional of the platform party. The university commencement ceremony will last approximately one and one-half hours.