Class of 2020: We’re proud of you––of your achievements, your adaptability and your resiliency during this time. And although we wish we could celebrate with you in person this spring, we’re still going to celebrate together virtually.
Chancellor DiStefano invites you to join the livestreamed commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at noon.
The chancellor also invites you and your families to return to campus in spring 2021, when we can fully celebrate our class of 2020 with special recognition events, including the traditional procession in commencement regalia from Norlin Quad to Folsom Field.
We are Buffs together, now and always.
Graduation deadline for undergraduates
The most important thing leading up to graduation is remembering to apply for graduation. April 30 is the final deadline for undergraduates to apply to graduate.
Graduation deadlines for doctoral and master’s students
Graduation deadlines have been extended for doctoral and master's students planning to have their degrees awarded in May 2020.
Spring commencement regalia information
If you want to purchase a cap and gown, you can still do so online through the CU Book Store. Plan ahead for your opportunity to decorate your mortarboard and share your celebratory photos during the livestreamed event. And hold on to your regalia, as it will be required to participate in the university commencement ceremony in May 2021. Order by May 3 to ensure delivery before the May 16, 2020, ceremony.
Information about renting or purchasing master’s and doctoral regalia will be updated on the commencement website as soon as it is available.
If you have purchased or rented a cap and gown and no longer wish to keep it, refunds are available. Learn more about undergraduate cap and gown orders and returns.
Legacy cords
Did your parent or grandparent attend CU Boulder, too? Then you’re a Buffalo Legacy and the Alumni Association is honored to celebrate your family’s connection to CU with a special commencement cord. Register today to have your free legacy cord mailed directly to you.
Highlights of the livestreamed May 16 ceremony
CU Boulder alumnus Dan Carlin (Hist’89), described as the king of long-form podcasting and host of the show Hardcore History, will deliver the commencement address remotely.
Carlin’s remarks could not be more timely at this historic moment. He is the co-creator of the 2019 award-winning “immersive memory” First World War virtual reality experience, War Remains, and author of The New York Times bestseller The End is Always Near: Apocalyptic Moments from the Bronze Age Collapse to Nuclear Near Misses.
- Conferral of degrees
- Norlin Charge, alma mater and national anthem
- Remarks by Chancellor DiStefano and Senior Class Council President Chad Brokaw
- Congratulatory messages from CU President Kennedy and the University of Colorado Board of Regents
- Recognition of Chancellor’s Recognition Awards and Outstanding Graduates by college, school and program
- Senior class celebratory video
- Live social media engagement and feed
Commencement videos
Every year, Senior Class Council produces a celebratory video that airs during the commencement ceremony, and this year is no different.
If you are a senior, we are requesting that you submit a video answering three questions:
- What do you want to say to your fellow classmates?
- What does it mean to be part of the class of 2020?
- How have you gotten through a tough time at CU before?
The deadline for submission is Friday, May 1; but the sooner you submit, the better chance you have for your submission to be featured in the commencement video.
