Graduation Information
This page will be updated with more information as it is finalized; please keep checking back for updates.
When students apply online for graduation, their names go onto the graduation roster for the term they specify. Participation in graduation ceremonies is optional.Ìý
If you are nearing graduation, be sure to work with your advisor to complete all degree requirements and the necessary paperwork.
Students in the MS-CS on CourseraÌýdo notÌýapply to graduate in aÌýportal. MS-CS program staff will contact graduating students. Please contact MCCS staff atÌýmscscoursera-info@colorado.eduÌýwith any questions.Ìý
Visit the College of Engineering graduation page for more details on the Winter 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
Students graduating in Spring or Summer 2026 are invited to take part inÌýthe May 2026 ceremonies and are included in May ceremony materials.
Be sure to apply for graduation via Ìýas soon as possible if you plan to complete degree requirements in Spring 2026Ìýor Summer 2026. For undergrads, the deadline to apply for graduation for Spring 2026Ìýis the last day of classes (April 24th) but you must submit before April 1 to be included in our graduation materials. For grad students, March 1 is the last day to submit or cancel a graduation application. See your academic advisor for any questions.
In some cases, students who previously graduated or will graduate in another term want to participate in the spring graduation events. The Walk Only Form is for students whose names are not on the May or August 2026Ìýgraduation rosters, but who still want to participate in the May 2026Ìýdepartment ceremony.
Some examples of why students may wish to “walk only� include:
- If a student completed/will complete degree requirements in December but wants to participate in a May ceremony.
- If a student graduated in a year in which no May ceremony was held.
- If a student is completing CSCI-BA major requirements as a Post Degree Additional Major in Arts & Sciences,Ìýyou are not actually graduating a second time but the form alerts us you will walk in our department ceremony.Ìý
In order to be included in the May events, you must complete the no later than April 1. To complete this form, you must be logged into Google with your ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ÆÆ½â°æÏÂÔØ credentials; see the for help. Students completing this form should also contact their academic advisor to confirm their expected graduation date.
May 2026ÌýGraduation Recognition Events
CUÌýBoulder hosts multiple options to celebrate graduation. University Commencement, detailed below, recognizes all ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ÆÆ½â°æÏÂÔØ grads. Many departments, programsÌýand affiliate groups host recognition ceremonies, such as the Department of Computer Science ceremonyÌýlisted below.ÌýStudents with additional majors or affiliate groups might also have ceremonies for those programs.
All ceremonies are optional. You and your guests may choose to enjoy multiple, just one, or none of them. Ceremony participation does not affect degree status.
University Commencement
°Õ³ó±ðÌýUniversity Commencement event will be held at Folsom FieldÌýon Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 8:30 am. Students are not recognized individually at commencement, but celebrate as one student body. This event includes conferral of degrees by college/school, a prominentÌýguest speaker, the senior class video, and more. Visit the commencement websiteÌýfor details.
May 2026ÌýComputer ScienceÌýCeremony
Computer science students completing a BA,ÌýBS, ME, MS or PhDÌýwill be honored at the Computer Science Recognition Ceremony. Students cross the stage and have their names read individually during this ceremony.
- Date: Friday, May 1st, 2026
- Time: Ceremony 4-6 p.m. Venue opens for seating at 3Ìýp.m. A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow on Engebretson Business Quad
- Location: CU Events Center (formerly Coors Events Center)
- Who is invited: Students completing any computer science degreeÌý(computer science, TCP, telecom, network engineering), and their families and guests.
Please note that the CU Events Center follows the . The only bags allowed are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12â€� x 6â€� x 12â€� or one-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic Ziploc/freezer bag.ÌýLarge bags and prohibited items will not be permitted in the arena. Please ensure all students and guests are familiar with the policy to be able to enter the arena.
AllÌýstudents and guests will need to pass through security to attend.
- Guests: We are pleased to invite students to bring as many guests as they like, as the arena provides ample seating. Tickets and RSVPs are not needed, but be sure to make guests aware of the CU Events Center policies listed above.
- Parking: Parking will be available in several locations on campus for free. Close-in parking and drop off locations are available for those who have difficulty walking; ADA placards are not required.ÌýSee the CU Events CenterÌýParking Map for available locations.
- ADA needs: If students or their guests will require any ADA accomodation (other than parking), please let us know in advance by having the student completeÌýthe .
- COVID policy: All events will be held in accordance with applicable campus policies and public health guidelines with the goal of providing a safe and meaningful experience for all.Ìý Please visit ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ÆÆ½â°æÏÂÔØÌýCOVID-19 Updates pageÌýfor the latest on public health measures applicable to university events.
- Livestreaming: The recording of our livestream from May 2025Ìýcan be watched at
- Ìý(YouTube Link)
- May 2025ÌýCeremony ProgramÌý(PDF)
- Concessions: Concession stands will be open inside the arena.
- Weather:ÌýColoradoÌýweather in early May can be unpredictable. StudentsÌýandÌýguests are encouraged to check the weather forecast. The optional reception will be held outdoors on a grass field, so we recommendÌýappropriate footwear (i.e. no stiletto heels) and layers according to the forecast.
Information is now available on the University CommencementÌýwebsite Cap and Gown pageÌýon how students can get their regalia.Ìý A couple important items of note:
- Undergraduate studentsÌýpurchase regalia from the CU Book Store either in-store or online, with options for in-store pick-up or shipping.
- Graduate students (Master’s and Doctoral)Ìýpurchase regalia from the CU Book Store either in-store or online, with options for in-store pick-up or shipping. (updated as of March 2026).
- Master's hood colors are gold for Masters of Science degrees. (All degrees in CS are Masters of Science degrees)
- PhD hood colors are not dependent on your college. All PhD hoods will be royal blue.
- Tassel colors are white for College of Arts and SciencesÌýdegrees and orange for College of Engineering degrees.
- Students are not required to purchase a cap & gown to participate in the Computer Science ceremony, though most choose to do so. All studentsÌýmust wear regalia to participate in the University Commencement, but the departmental ceremony accepts regalia or appropriate, professional dress.
- will be photographingÌýthe ceremony.
- Register for ceremony photos in advance to receive a 20% off coupon.ÌýVisit GradImages.com/Registration for details.

