Graduation Information
May 2026 Graduation听
Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences will host a spring ceremony for all graduating aerospace students. The event will feature multiple speakers and all graduates will have their name announced and be able to walk across the stage to receive their diploma cover. This event is separate from the campus-wide commencement. We are also hosting a special reception for graduates to recognize award winners and outstanding achievements.
- Senior Projects Awards (Open to Students Only) 鈥 Monday, April 27,听2-4 p.m. SEEC C120
- Aerospace Engineering Sciences graduation ceremony - Friday, May 1, 2026 from 12-2 p.m. in the CU Events Center.
- Doors open at 11 a.m.
- The event will feature multiple speakers and all graduates will have their name announced, PhD students will be hooded, and all graduates will process across the stage to receive their diploma cover.
- Aerospace Post-Graduation Reception 鈥 Friday, May 1,听3:30-5 p.m. in the AERO Lobby
- PhD Recognition Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in AERO 120
- Campus-wide Commencement - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:30 a.m. at Folsom Field.
Deadlines
- April 1, 2026鈥擫ast day to submit a graduation application to get your name in the 2025鈥26 commencement program.
- Campus allows graduation applications after this date, but your name will not be in the printed ceremony program.
- If you are graduating and would like ADA accessibility assistance at the ceremony, please contact aeroevents@colorado.edu by April 17, 2026 to coordinate accommodations.
Graduation Regalia
Cap & gown information is available on the university Caps & Gowns page. Undergraduate and Graduate students purchase their regalia from the CU Book Store either in-store or online. We recommend ordering regalia by April 24. The college does not have spare caps/gowns if you do not order before the ceremonies. There is not a rental regalia option for students.听
Graduation Frequently Asked Questions
There are no limits to number of guests per student.
No passes, tickets or invitations are necessary.
No, seats cannot be reserved, they are first come, first served.
Yes, the CU Events Center does adhere to the clear bag policy. The only bags allowed clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12鈥 x 6鈥 x 12鈥 or one-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic Ziploc/freezer bag. No other bags are permitted at all; includes backpacks, diaper bags and other similar bags.
Campus parking will be free on the day of commencement as well as the day of our graduation ceremony. Parking is available in multiple lots adjacent to the Events Center and by the Aerospace Building.
For ADA parking requests or for help finding the closest parking lot to your event, please contact Parking Services via email parkingevents@colorado.edu or phone 303-492-6551. Please do not contact the ADA Compliance Office about parking questions.
Close-in parking and drop off locations are available for those who have difficulty walking; ADA placards are not required. Specific seating areas are already reserved for those with wheelchairs, the elderly, and guests with physical disabilities. Reservations for these areas are not required.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to hosting accessible and inclusive experiences for its diverse community members.听For all ADA questions/requests, please reach out to the CU Events Center (303-492-8337) directly or fill out an Accommodation Request From to coordinate ADA accommodations. We will make all reasonable efforts to fulfill requests submitted after the deadline; however, requests received after the deadline cannot be guaranteed as it is dependent on a service provider鈥檚 availability.
Campus-Wide Commencement FAQs can be found听here.
Please reach out to aeroevents@colorado.edu if you have any questions.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to hosting accessible and inclusive experiences for its diverse community members. If you require accommodations to participate, engage, or attend the event, please contact (your unit/contact here) no later than 7 days before the event. We will make all reasonable efforts to fulfill requests submitted after the deadline; however, requests received after the deadline cannot be guaranteed as it is dependent on a service provider鈥檚 availability.