Traditions
Celebrate Your Big Moment With Time-Honored Traditions
After years of hard work, you’ll join the path of decades of Buffs as you become a proud graduate of the university. This is no ordinary achievement, so we celebrate you with pomp and circumstance. Learn about the history of our commencement traditions.
Wear your regalia with pride, knowing it’s a reminder of everything you and your peers have accomplished together.
Sing CU Boulder’s alma mater alongside your classmates, professors and guests to honor your lifelong connection to the university.
Follow the commencement marshal as they direct the ceremony and lead the procession into the stadium.
Hear the charge that has been inspiring University of Colorado graduates since President George Norlin delivered it in 1935.
Your diploma bears the official university seal, which commemorates your hard work and reminds you to let your light shine.
See physical symbols of the university’s leadership and values, including the presidential chain of office and the university mace.
Commencement Mission
Commencement recognizes and celebrates students’ academic achievement while inspiring them to go forth and positively impact humanity. Our commencement rituals bring our graduates’ extended community together to honor our shared bonds and traditions, and certify each class into fellowship with the university.