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

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.

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 closed at 11:59pm on April 20.

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.  Below is a quick overview how to join the celebration on May 15.

Watching the Virtual Ceremony on Your Own

If you can't participate in the live watch party or would like to watch the ceremony on your own without commentary, the ceremony video can be viewed any time by visiting the Spring 2021 Ceremony Website. All graduates who submitted photos or expressions of gratitude will be included in the ceremony video. The ceremony will not be hosted in Zoom and the links will be public so anyone can watch. The ceremony video can be viewed any time after the website launches at 10am MT, so you can design your celebration to match your day.

Graduates who did not register and submit photos or expressions of gratitude will be listed on the ceremony site and will have a slide created for them, which can be clicked on for their name to be announced. Their slides will not be included in the main ceremony video.

Additionally, the ceremony site includes links to the English and Spanish captioned versions of the ceremony video to provide additional viewing options to our community. ¡Mira la ceremonia con subtítulos en español!  

Individual graduate slides are also available to view, download, or share to social media on the ceremony website.

Future Commencement Celebration Dates

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

Saturday, May 14, 2022 - Spring 2022 Graduates