The commencement ceremony location and CU Denver policies and codes of conduct must be followed by everyone in attendance. Individuals who choose to disrupt the event may be asked to leave.
Guests have a right to expect an environment where:
As a service to our graduates, professional photographers will take pictures of each graduate during the ceremony. Proofs of these photographs will be emailed within five business days of the ceremony and will include a coupon for a free 5x7 print (no purchase necessary). Fill in your contact information on the back of your name card to ensure you receive your photos.
If you would like to pre-register for photographs and receive a discount on photo purchases, please visit GradImages registration page.
Please note, in order to maintain graduate safety and ceremony timing, professional photographers who are not part of the GradImages team will not be allowed in the graduate seating or on the stage. Families are encouraged to utilize the GradImages team and not hire separate photographers.
The Commencement Office will draft a letter of invitation to friends and family abroad to include in a visa application packet. Requests should be sent to commencement@ucdenver.edu and must contain the following information:
An electronic letter will be sent to you within two weeks of your request.
All students and guests will be required to go through a magnetometer upon entrance in to the ceremony. All guests, students, faculty and staff are required to abide by the commencement clear bag policy. Visit the Clear Bag Policy, Safety & Approved Items page for more details.
Visit the above page for a comprehensive list. The following items are prohibited items of note:
The commencement ceremony will take place at the Colorado Convention Center (700 14th St., Denver, CO 80202) and will be held in Exhibit Hall A. Graduates will line up before the ceremony in Exhibit Hall F.
Please review the commencement Clear Bag Policy, Safety and Approved Items page for additional details.
Please contact the Commencement Office for more information.
Please contact your organization or the affiliated department to inquire about cords and stoles.
Information on legacy and philanthropy cords can be found on the CU Denver Alumni page. Honor cords, first generation and displaced Aurarian stoles can be picked up at Cap & Gown Pick up.
New cord or stole programs must be approved by the Commencement Office. Please submit your request to the Commencement Office at commencement@ucdenver.edu. All requests for new cords and stoles must be approved before ordering.
Graduates do not receive their diplomas at the ceremony. All diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately six to eight weeks after the end of the semester. Diploma addresses can be updated via the student portal.
Diploma covers are available for pick up year-round by visiting the front desk at Lynx Central or emailing commencement@ucdenver.edu.
Diploma covers will not be mailed to graduates.
Students can participate in commencement only after completing all degree requirements and applying to graduate. Questions about this policy should be directed to student advisors. Summer graduates are invited to participate in the fall or the spring ceremonies that follows their degree completion.
Exceptions to this policy are limited. For information about the process for requesting an exception, please contact your advisor.
Please note that graduate names are noted in the commencement program only in the semester for which they have been approved to graduate.
Students who select the on-campus pick-up option during registration will pick up their rental items at the Lawrence Street Center, Terrace Room, 2nd Floor on November 18 (10am-5 pm) and November 19 (10am-7pm). Pick up prior to or after these dates is not available.
During registration, graduates have the option to pay to ship their regalia to their homes in order to receive them before the on-campus pick-up date.
Once orders are placed, graduates cannot change their delivery preference.
If you missed early cap and gown pick-up, you can pick up your regalia before the start of the ceremony. When you arrive at venue, the regalia table will be by the student lineup.