This information is supplied by the Graduate School at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The links below provide the necessary forms and information to complete the requirements for graduation. Please read the deadline sheet and checklist carefully to ensure fulfillment of requirements. If at any time you have any questions or problems, please contact the Graduate School at (303) 492-8220, gradinfo@colorado.edu, or Regent Administrative Center, room 1B53.
Graduation Deadlines
This includes all the deadlines for the upcoming semesters. Paperwork must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines for the indicated graduation. These deadlines apply regardless of attendance at the commencement ceremony. (Note: if you do not meet the graduation deadline for your final exam, but can complete the exam before the first day of class for the upcoming semester, you will not be required to register for another semester, but your paperwork will be processed for the next scheduled commencement date. Plan ahead carefully, as this means the exam must be done on or before the Friday before classes begin.) International students in F-1 or J-1 status must consult with International Student and Scholar Services (located in the Center for the Community, room S355) in these cases. F-1 and J-1 regulations require enrollment in order to maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status. You must be advised by an ISSS advisor if you will not have future enrollment.
Graduation Checklist
Please note the items marked with a (>). These are essential to fulfill graduation requirements.
Online Graduation Application
Students must must apply online to graduate through buff portal on the “apply for graduation” card in order to have the degree awarded. This notifies the Graduate School and your department that you intend to graduate, and it provides necessary information to the Registrar's Office for ordering and shipping diplomas. If you do not complete requirements for the graduation you indicate on the online application, you must apply online to graduate for the new graduation date. You must apply to graduate online whether or not you plan to attend the ceremony. Detailed instructions for applying to graduate.
Candidacy Application for an Advanced Degree
The courses you and your department agree will be used to fulfill the requirements for your degree program are listed on this form. Applications follow a workflow process and must be approved by the academic department before they are directed to the Graduate School.
Master Examination Report
Master's students who are required to complete a final examination must provide notification of the exam to the Graduate School using the master's final examination form two weeks before the exam with the date and committee members names, for committee approval.Through a workflow process, the Graduate School and your graduate program must approve your committee, and the form will be sent to your committee members. The completed form with committee member signatures will be returned to the Graduate School and your graduate program.
Several units have a coursework only plan for non-thesis master's students. Non-thesis students in these programs will not submit a final examination form. Please contact your graduate program to determine whehter you are required to complete a final examination.
Commencement Ceremony, Transcript, and Diploma Information
CU Boulder hosts one commencement ceremony in the spring to celebrate our graduates every year. Whether you’re graduating in the fall, spring or summer semester, you're encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony. Apply for graduation on the Buff Portal by April 1, selecting the term in which you expect to complete your degree requirements to have your name included in the commencement program.
Be sure to see the CU Boulder commencement website for additional information about upcoming conferral, recognition and commencement activities.. Ensure that you have updated your diploma name and address by the posted deadline; learn more about diplomas and transcripts on the Office of the Registrar's website.