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.

Fall 2021 Commencement: A Celebration of Our Graduates

December 18, 2021

9:00am

Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A

Applying to graduate and registering for commencement are two separate processes.  The deadline to apply to graduate to ensure you've met your requirements with your academic advisor is September 8.

Registration for participating in the commencement ceremony is now closed. Late registration is only available at cap and gown pick up at St. Cajetan's on the Auraria Campus on Wednesday, December 8 from 10am-7pm or Thursday, December 9 from 10am-5pm. Graduates who would like to participate in the ceremony must register in person on one of these days and must be on the approved to graduate list.

  • In-Person Ceremony: We are excited to present CU Denver's first in-person ceremony in two years and we are committed to your safety.  Masks will be required for all attendees, except for graduate photos at the bottom of the stage ramp. The ceremony will be livestreamed, so loved ones can safely watch their graduates commemorate the achievement. All graduates who would like to celebrate in person must register to join the event and reserve their guest tickets. 
  • Guest Tickets: The ceremony will be limited in capacity and guest tickets will be required for attendance. To start initially, registered graduates will receive two tickets each. Everyone over the age of two must have a ticket to attend.
    • As of November 30, the allotment of two tickets per graduate has not been increased. If the outlook of the pandemic improves, we will do our best to increase the number of tickets and registered graduates will receive updates on next steps. There is not a waiting list for extra tickets.
  • Virtual Recognition Website: A virtual celebration website for Fall 2021 will include graduate-submitted photos and expressions of gratitude. Graduate submissions are due by November 1 at 10pm MST.

Registration Fees for the Ceremony

(Including Cap & Gown Rental and Tax)


Standard Registration
9/27 - 11/1 9:59pm MST
On-Site Registration
12/8 & 12/9
Bachelor's Degree$45.00$95
Master's Degree/Education Specialist$60.00$110
Doctoral Degree$80.00$130

Future Commencement Celebration Dates

Saturday, May 14, 2022 - Spring 2022 Graduates

Saturday, December 17, 2022 - Summer & Fall 2022 Graduates