Commencement FAQ's

Graduation refers to receiving a degree when a student has been certified by the university as having met all degree requirements. Students apply to graduate in order to receive a diploma and transcript.

At CU Anschutz, commencement generally refers to the University Commencement Ceremony. This all-campus event is attended by members of the University of Colorado Board of Regents, President Saliman, Chancellor Elliman, and other dignitaries. All degrees are conferred at the University Commencement Ceremony and university awards presented. All graduates are expected to attend this campus-wide recognition.

Convocations are the program-specific ceremonies in which graduates cross the stage to receive individual recognition for their achievements and are handed a diploma cover.

The University Commencement Ceremony and the program convocations together comprise the graduation experience.

All spring commencement activities take place on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

Click the link below for a campus ceremony map with locations and start times.

Commencement Ceremony Map

 

We ask that anyone who is not vaccinated against COVID-19 wear a mask when inside campus buildings. This includes the Graduate School convocation in the Ed 2 South Building and when accessing restrooms.

No restrictions are in place when outdoors.

 

Graduates may invite as many guests as they wish and tickets are not issued for the ceremonies. However, seating is first come, first served.

Yes, the University Commencement Ceremony and all convocations will be available to view remotely in Zoom webinars. Visit https://cuanschutz.edu/commencement on May 22nd to find the links for the ceremonies you wish to view.

If you don't have a Zoom account, you might be asked to provide your name and email address to watch. This information is not shared with any external entity.

 

Yes, registering for commencement activities confirms your participation and provides you with information about renting your cap and gown.

Graduate School, Patricia Goggans, (303) 724-5878 or patricia.goggans@cuanschutz.edu

College of Nursing, Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, (303) 724-1812 or con.studentaffairs@cuanschutz.edu.

Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program, Danielle Thompson, danielle.m.thompson@cuanschutz.edu

For all graduates other than MDs, registering to participate in the commencement ceremony is a two-step process. The first step is to register and confirm your participation by April 13th. After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the Herff Jones website where you can rent your cap and gown, as well as purchase commencement memorabilia. Both steps of the process must be completed by the April 13th deadline to avoid late fees. 

MD graduates request regalia during registration and do not need to complete the second step of placing an order with Herff Jones. The same April 13th deadline applies. Commemorative merchandise can be purchased on the Herff Jones site, if desired.

Visit the Regalia FAQs page for more info. Links to the registration sites are on the homepage.

Herff Jones is the official regalia vendor for CU Anschutz and all gowns and hoods must be ordered through them. If a graduate already owns the proper regalia for the degree they will be receiving, exceptions can be made on a case by case basis if the regalia matches the color and quality of the items provided by Herff Jones.

 

Diplomas will be mailed out automatically to the mailing address on file after degrees have been awarded. Please ensure your mailing address in your student record is up to date. Visit our guide on how to Update your Student Profile . Diplomas will take about 5-8 weeks to receive from Paradigm. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at: Registrar@cuanschutz.edu

 

Parking is limited on campus and attendees are highly encouraged to consider carpooling, utilizing ridesharing services, or taking public transportation .

Graduates will be asked during the registration process to identify any disability-related accommodations that may be needed to participate fully in the commencement ceremony. Sign language interpreters can be arranged as needed. Service animals ​(not emotional support animals) are permitted at the ceremony and must be pre-communicated during registration for planning purposes. 

Resources are available to assist guests to and from ceremonies. Additional services are available upon request.

If you would like to speak with the commencement coordinator about accessibility arrangements for the ceremony, please email commencement@cuanschutz.edu.

 

Please visit the disability-related access page for more information.

CU Anschutz has partnered with NameCoach to allow graduates to record the pronunciation of their name and share it with the name readers in our ceremonies.

Please submit your recording by May 8th to give the name readers enough time to review the audio files.

Click here to record your name.

Several lodging options exist within walking distance of campus. Be sure to ask if they are offering special rates for commencement.

The Benson Hotel

Hyatt House Denver/Aurora

Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus

All but one ceremony is held outdoors on campus in the spring. Generally, weather is excellent in late May for our graduation festivities. However, perfect weather is not guaranteed. Our ceremonies will be held outdoors rain or shine, and graduates and guests should be prepared.

 

University Commencement Ceremony - the outdoor ceremony will be cancelled and an indoor ceremony will be held in the Ed 2 South Auditorium for the platform party, honorees, faculty and diploma representatives only. All other graduates and guests may watch the livestream of the commencement ceremony.

Graduate School - the Graduate School convocation will take place as scheduled at 10:15am in the Ed 2 South Auditorium.

School of Medicine - Anschutz Health Sciences Building, Benson Atrium - 10:15am

School of Dental Medicine - Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center - 10:30am

CHA/PA - Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center - 1:00pm

Colorado School of Public Health - Ed 2 South Auditorium - 1:00pm

College or Nursing - Anschutz Health Sciences Building, Benson Atrium - 2:00pm

Skaggs School of Pharmacy - Ed 2 South Auditorium - 3:30pm