Graduation & Commencement

Complete the following steps before the applicable submission deadline (see the graduation & diploma calendar):

1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's apply for graduation card (you may be prompted to log in).
2. Select "Apply for graduation."
3. In the graduation application status table, toggle "Select to Apply," then click "Apply." (Note: You can't apply to graduate from a certificate or licensure program. If you're pursuing a dual degree, submit a separate application for the each program.)
4. For your expected graduation term, choose the term in which you expect to complete your degree requirements.
5. Click "Next."
6. Review your name. If you want to modify it, click the "Name Type" row. Make edits to your first and last name and click "Accept." Once you save it, this will be your diploma name.
7. Once you're happy with your name, select "Next."
8. Review your address. Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after the commencement ceremony. If the address shown won't be correct at that time, select the plus button or the "Add a New Permanent Address," then click "Yes." Enter the new address and click "Accept." The post office will not forward your diploma if your address changes.
9. Once you're happy with your address, select "Next."
10. On the "Additional Information" tab, use the "Graduation Intention" drop-down menu to select "Complete." Then click "Confirm" to move to the confirmation page.
11. Review your information. If it's accurate, click "Submit" and then confirm by clicking "Yes." 

Your application status will likely remain as "In Review" until after the degree conferral date for your graduation term.*

At that time, your department will review your records, determine whether you've completed your graduation requirements, and change your status to either "Accepted" or "Denied."

• If your status is "Accepted," then you've successfully completed your degree requirements and have graduated from CU Boulder.
• If your status is "Denied," then you haven't completed your degree requirements and have not graduated from CU Boulder. Please contact your advisor for more information.

*If your status is changed to "Accepted" before the end of your graduation term, that means the department has received your application, but has not confirmed whether you've met your degree requirements.

To change your graduation term, you must cancel the current application and submit a new one.

1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's apply for graduation card (you may be prompted to log in).
2. Select "Change Graduation Term" next to the application you wish to edit.
3. In the graduation term table, use the drop-down menu to select your new graduation term. Click "Next."
4. Update your name and address.
5. On the additional information page, use the "Graduation Intention" drop-down menu to select “Complete” for the new term. Click "Confirm" to move to the confirmation page.
6. Click "Submit" when ready, then "Yes" to proceed with submission. 

1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's apply for graduation card (you may be prompted to log in).
2. Select "Cancel” next to the application you wish to cancel, then "Yes" to confirm.
3. This will return you to the graduation application status table and beneath the degree you’ll see the status "Canceled."