Graduation Information

Decorated mortarboards at the 2016 Computer Science graduation ceremony.
Ceremony in CU Events Center

This page will be updated with more information as it is finalized, please keep checking back for updates.

When students apply online for graduation, their names go onto the graduation roster for the term they specify. Participation in graduation ceremonies is optional.

If you are nearing graduation, be sure to work with your advisor to complete all degree requirements and the necessary Apply for Degree paperwork.

Students in the MS-CS on Courserado notapply to graduate in aportal. MS-CS program staff will contact graduating students. Please contact MCCS staff atmscscoursera-info@colorado.eduwith any questions.

Visit the College of Engineering graduation page for more details and links.

All Computer Science students graduating in December are included in the ceremony for the College of Engineering and Applied Science. December graduates are also welcome to return for the University Commencement the following spring. A reception will be held in the CSEL (ECCS 114) from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm following the College of Engineering and Applied Science ceremony that all graduates and guests are welcome to attend, no RSVP necessary.

See the CEAS graduation webpage for more information on the College of Engineering Ceremony

Students graduating in spring or summer 2025 are invited to take part inthe May 2025 ceremonies and are included in May ceremony materials.

Be sure to apply for graduation via as soon as possible if you plan to complete degree requirements in spring 2025or summer 2025. For undergrads, the deadline to apply for graduation for spring 2025is the last day of classes (May 1st) but you must submit before April 1 to be included in our graduation materials. For grad students, March 1 is the last day to submit or cancel a graduation application. See your academic advisor for any questions.

In some cases, students who previously graduated or will graduate in another term want to participate in the spring graduation events. The Walk Only Form is for students whose names are not on the May or August 2025graduation rosters, but who still want to participate in the May 2025department ceremony.

Some examples of why students may wish to “walk only” include:

  • If a student completed/will complete degree requirements in December but wants to participate in a May ceremony.
  • If a student graduated in a year in which no May ceremony was held.
  • If a student is completing CSCI-BA major requirements as a Post Degree Additional Major in Arts & Sciences,you are not actually graduating a second time but the form alerts us you will walk in our department ceremony.

In order to be included in the May events, you must complete the no later than April 1. To complete this form, you must be logged into Google with your CU Boulder credentials; see the for help. Students completing this form should also contact their academic advisor to confirm their expected graduation date.

May 2024Graduation Recognition Events

CUBoulder hosts multiple options to celebrate graduation. University Commencement, detailed below, recognizes all CU Boulder grads. Many departments, programsand affiliate groups host recognition ceremonies, such as the Department of Computer Science ceremonylisted below.Students with additional majors or affiliate groups might also have ceremonies for those programs.

All ceremonies are optional. You and your guests may choose to enjoy multiple, just one, or none of them. Ceremony participation does not affect degree status.

  • TheUniversity Commencement event will be held at Folsom Fieldon Thursday, May 9, 2024. Students are not recognized individually at the commencement event but celebrate as one large student body.
    • This event includes conferral of degrees, a prominentguest speaker, the senior class video, and more.
      Visit the commencement websitefor all details related to the main campus commencement ceremony.
  • Computer science students will be honored in adepartmental ceremony.
    • Computer science students completing a BA,BS, ME, MS, or PhDwill be honored at the Computer Science Ceremony the evening ofFriday, May 10th, 4-6 pm at the CU Events Center.
    • Students cross the stage and have their names read individually during this ceremony.

May 2024Computer ScienceCeremony

  • Who: Students completing any degree in a CS program(Computer Science, TCP, Telecom, Network Engineering), and their families and guests.
  • Date: Friday, May 10th, 2024
  • Time: Ceremony 4-6 pm. Venue opens for seating at 3pm.
  • Location: CU Events Center (formerly Coors Events Center)
  • Reception: A light reception will immediately follow on the Business Field.
  • (YouTube Link)
  • May 2024Ceremony Program(PDF)

Please note that the CU Events Center follows the . The only bags allowed are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic Ziploc/freezer bag.Large bags and prohibited items will not be permitted in the arena. Please ensure all students and guests are familiar with the policy to be able to enter the arena.
Allstudents and guests will need to pass through security to attend.

  • Guests: We are pleased to invite students to bring as many guests as they like, as the arena provides ample seating. Tickets and RSVPs are not needed, but be sure to make guests aware of the CU Events Center policies listed above.
  • Parking: Parking will be available in several locations on campus for free. Close-in parking and drop off locations are available for those who have difficulty walking; ADA placards are not required.See the CU Events CenterParking Map for available locations.
  • ADA needs: If students or their guests will require any ADA accomodation (other than parking), please let us know in advance by having the student completethe .
  • COVID policy: All events will be held in accordance with applicable campus policies and public health guidelines with the goal of providing a safe and meaningful experience for all. Please visit CU Boulder’sCOVID-19 Updates pagefor the latest on public health measures applicable to university events.
  • Livestreaming: The recording of our livestream from May 2022can be watched at .
  • Concessions: Concession stands will be open inside the arena.
  • Weather:babyֱappweather in early May can be unpredictable. Studentsandguests are encouraged to check the weather forecast. The optional reception will be held outdoors on a grass field, so we recommendappropriate footwear (i.e., no high heels) and layers according to the forecast.

Information is now available on the University Commencementwebsite Cap and Gown pageon how students can get their regalia. A couple important items of note:

  • Undergraduate studentspurchase regalia from the CU Book Store either in-store or online, with options for in-store pick-up or shipping.
  • Graduate students (Master’s and Doctoral)wear regalia orderedonline from Jostens.
    • Graduate regalia is now “ship-to-home keeper” regalia and is not rented/does not need to be returned.
    • The deadline to order Graduate regalia is late March.
  • Tassel colors are white for College of Arts and Sciencesdergees and orange for College of Engineering degrees.
  • Students are not required to purchase a cap & gown to participate in the Computer Science ceremony, though most choose to do so. All studentsmust wear regalia to participate in the University Commencement, but the departmental ceremony accepts regalia or appropriate, professional dress.

  • will be photographingthe ceremony.
  • Register for ceremony photos in advance to receive a 20% off coupon.Visit GradImages.com/Registration for details.