CU Denver Commencement

Commencement honors the achievement of one's academic goals and the beginning of the next vocational commitment. CU Denver ceremonies occur twice a year in December and May. Summer graduates are invited to participate in the fall ceremony. Students will only be permitted to participate in commencement after they've completed all of their degree requirements and applied to graduate.

Information on this website is intended to answer questions about the commencement ceremony for graduates, attendees and faculty. If you are unable to find the information you are seeking on this site, please contact the Commencement Office at 303-315-2113 or commencement@ucdenver.edu.

Spring 2021 Commencement

A Hybrid Celebration of Our Graduates

Virtual Ceremony

Saturday, May 15, 2021

10:00 A.M.

CU Denver's virtual commencement recognizes all doctoral, educational specialist, master's, and bachelor's degree recipients. 

The virtual ceremony will include personalized recognition of each graduate and reading of names. Graduates will submit photos and expressions of gratitude to be displayed during the virtual ceremony. Celebration kits will also be available with some fun items to commemorate your achievement.

Cross the Quad 

May 17 and May 18, 2021

All graduates who would like to celebrate in person can join CU Denver's first-ever “Cross the Quad” celebration. Instead of a traditional, seated ceremony, graduates will cross the stage in front of the historic Tivoli building to symbolize the completion of your studies at CU Denver and the beginning of your next phase of life. Graduate names will be announced, diploma covers will be presented, and professional photographers will be there to capture the moment. Cross the Quad will be livestreamed and recorded, so loved ones can safely watch their graduates commemorate the achievement if they can't join in person.

We know that crossing a stage and having great pictures is important to our graduates. So we’re also inviting anyone who graduated in 2020, when we could only have virtual ceremonies, to join the in-person celebrations as well.

Following continued expansion of public health orders and the lifting of many restrictions for outdoor events, the in-person photo opportunities will now include an option for graduates to be accompanied by a maximum of two guests as they Cross the Quad. Graduates who have already registered will receive information in early May about how to claim their two guest tickets.

Registration for both the virtual ceremony and Cross the Quad is now open through 10:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday, April 20. 

Cap and gown ordering is open through April 1 to ensure arrival by May 1. Ordering will remain available through June 1, but are not guaranteed to arrive before the in-person events.

Future Commencement Celebration Dates

Saturday, December 18, 2021 - Summer & Fall 2021 Graduates

Saturday, May 14, 2022 - Spring 2022 Graduates