Graduation & Commencement

Graduation

You must apply to graduate through Buff Portal for the semester in which you'll officially and successfully complete all requirements for the degree(s) and major(s) you're pursuing. Degrees are conferred at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters.

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. For your academic institution, select "CUBLD."
  4. For your expected graduation term, choose the term in which you expect to complete your degree requirements.
  5. Select "Select Program."
  6. Select the link for the academic program you're applying to graduate from. (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.)
  7. Review your academic information. If it's accurate, select "Information Is Correct."
  8. Select "Apply for Graduation."
  9. Review your name. If you want to modify it, select "Change Name," then "Add Name." Once you save it, this new name will be your diploma name.
  10. Once you're happy with your name, select the "Approve Diploma Name" checkbox.
  11. 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 "Change Address" to create a new diploma address. The post office will not forward your diploma if your address changes.
  12. Once you're happy with your address, tick the "Approve Diploma Address" checkbox.
  13. Review your information. If it's accurate, select "Apply for Graduation."

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.

Enter your diploma name as you wish for it to appear on your diploma and in the commencement program.

  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, select "View Application."
    • To change your name, select "Update Diploma Name."
    • To change your address, select "Update Diploma Address."

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 "Apply for graduation."
  3. In the graduation application status table, select "View Application."
  4. Select "Cancel Application," then "Yes."
  5. Follow the instructions above to submit an application with your new graduation term.

Commencement

See the CU Boulder commencement website for information about upcoming conferral, recognition and commencement activities.

The commencement program lists the names of students who either graduated (fall semester) or applied to graduate (spring or summer semester) in that academic year. For example, students listed in the 2020–21 commencement program will have done one of the following:

  • Graduated in Fall 2020
  • Submitted their Spring 2021 graduation application by April 1, 2021
  • Submitted their Summer 2021 graduation application by April 1, 2021

Students who submit a Fall 2020 graduation application will be listed in the following year's commencement program.

If you’re expecting to complete your degree requirements in spring or summer, submit your graduation application by the publication deadline (April 1) to have your name included in the commencement program.

Diplomas & Certificates

We'll mail your complimentary paper diploma and/or certificate approximately eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you complete your degree requirements. If you didn't establish a separate diploma address when you applied to graduate, your diploma will be mailed to your home address (note: the post office will not forward your diploma if your address changes).

Note: Your diploma will only be mailed if you've satisfied all your financial obligations within one year after graduation. Students who resolve their financial hold after the allotted time must instead order a replacement diploma.

Learn More About Diplomas & Certificates 

Questions?

See our Graduation & Diploma FAQs.

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Resources

Graduation Calendar

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