Apply for Graduation
Soon-to-be graduates are encouraged to check in with their advisors to ensure all credits and degree requirements have been met and to inform the dean’s office of their plans. Each student must also officially apply to graduate. To apply for graduation, log in to your Buff Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the Office of the Registrar’s Graduation and Commencement website.
Grad Appreciation Days
Grad Appreciation Days is a weeklong celebration of YOU, our graduates in the Class of 2023. Between May 1 and 4, the CU Boulder community will host a variety of events and in-person opportunities open to all graduating students. A schedule of events will be available in mid-March.
Grad Bash
The CU Boulder Alumni Association and The Herd want to celebrate your graduation this May with the Spring Grad Bash. If you are a senior, grad student or PhD student who is graduating in May or summer 2023, please join us:
Koenig Alumni Center
Thursday, May 4, 2023
4 - 7 p.m.
Forever Buffs
You are a Forever Buff – part of a family of 300,000 alumni and 35,000 students that share CU Boulder as a common bond in their lives. And, as a Forever Buff, you have access to meaningful experiences, valuable resources like career services and more – all for free – from the Alumni Association. After graduation, stay connected to CU through events, chapters and clubs, and the Forever Buffs Network because this powerful community is stronger with you!
Chancellor’s Recognition Award
Undergraduate students who are recipients of the Chancellor's Recognition Award will be notified in April. The requirements for the award are:
Please contact the Office of the Registrar with questions.
Cords, Stoles and Medals
Detailed information regarding the various cords and stoles worn by our graduating students is available on our Academic Dress page, with some specific options highlighted below. College, School and Degree Stoles are available for purchase through the CU Bookstore. Please contact your department or program regarding any additional cords or stoles or with questions regarding honors medals.
Legacy Cord
Students whose parents, stepparents or grandparents attended CU Boulder are considered Buffalo Legacies and are eligible for a special, complimentary cord to wear during commencement. The black-and-gold cords are worn with your cap and gown to recognize your family’s Buff pride. Register for your free legacy cord today.
Stole of Gratitude
The graduation stole is a great way to say thank you to that special person who gave you support and guidance throughout your college career. Graduation stoles are available at the CU Book Store.
Graduation Announcements
Personalized graduation announcements are a beautiful written expression of your accomplishment, meant to be shared with friends and family. Traditionally, the formal announcement is designed to announce your graduation, or may also serve as an invitation to the ceremony. Your name, major, minor, and honors are printed within the body of the text, and is accompanied by both inner and outer envelopes.
Both Traditional and contemporary announcements are available and allow for inside text to be customized. You may purchase your announcements anytime at www.jostens.com.
Outstanding Student Stories
CU Boulder Strategic Relations & Communications is looking for interesting stories about outstanding graduating students to use in publicity for the upcoming commencement ceremony. If you know someone who represents the excellence of the university through high academic, community, or leadership activities, or has overcome unusual challenges to complete his/her degree, please consider sharing his/her story. Submit your story to Greg Swenson on the Campus Communications & Engagement team at Greg.Swenson@Colorado.EDU.