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.

Apply for Graduation

Grad Appreciation Days

Grad Appreciation Days is a weeklong celebration of YOU, our graduates in the Class of 2024. Between April 29 and May 2, the CU Boulder community will host a variety of events and in-person opportunities open to all graduating students. A full schedule of events will be available in mid-March.

Grad Bash 

The CU Boulder Alumni Association and The Herd want to celebrate your graduation with the Spring Grad Bash.  If you are a senior, grad student or PhD student who is graduating in May or summer 2024, please join us:

Koenig Alumni Center
Thursday, May 2, 2024
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:

  • 4.0 GPA for each semester enrolled at CU Boulder.
  • Minimum of 90 credits (earned + in-progress) taken at CU Boulder.

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. 

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.