Commencement 2026: Know before you go
The university commencement ceremony is the premier event to recognize the conferral of degrees, celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding graduates and hear thecommencement address and congratulatory messages.
This annual tradition officially marks every Buff’s passage into the company of scholars. Buffs graduating in the fall, spring or summer semester are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Here’s what you need to know to soak it all in and celebrate.
Ceremony details
Thecommencement ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. MDT on Saturday, May 2, atFolsom Field & Stadium. No tickets or registration are required for guests of the graduating students.
Arrival and parking
Take a look at our andparking and on-campus transportation information ahead of time. Guests should plan to arrive early. Parking is free on campus during all commencement celebrations but is limited.
The stadium gates will open at 7 a.m. It is recommended that guests are seated by 8:15 a.m. to watch the student processional into the stadium.
Visit the page for information on ADA accessible transportation resources, wheelchair assistance and accessible seating at the ceremony.
Student line-up and procession
Where to be
- 7–8 a.m.Gather on Norlin Quad. Refreshments will be available for graduating students. Graduate students will line up near the Norlin steps. Undergraduates will line up in front of Woodbury and Old Main.
- 8 a.m.Procession departs from Norlin Quad.
- 8–8:45 a.m.Students follow the procession to Folsom Field, pass through security and take seats.
From Norlin Quad to Folsom Field
For the procession, undergraduates will follow the standard bearers Silver, Gold and Black and enter the stadium through gates 14 or 18 on the north end. You will walk in a single-file line with your fellow graduates. Once you enter the stadium, make sure you are lined up with others and follow the directions of the commencement marshals in the yellow stoles.
Folsom Field policies
Everyone entering Folsom Field will pass through a security screening before entering the stadium. The Folsom Field will be strictly enforced. Please keep personal items to a minimum.
No bottles or containers, flags on poles or sticks, unapproved signs or banners, artificial noisemakers, inflatable balls, balloons or other prohibited items will be allowed in the stadium. Learn more about thepermitted and prohibited items.
The Folsom Field seating map (PDF) can be found here.
The ceremony will begin as soon as all students are seated andwill last approximately 90 minutes.Please stay seated for the recessional of the platform party.
Stay informed
Here’s where to go for any last-minute updates:
- Commencementwebsite
- Recognition ceremonies page
- Ҵýƽ social media channels: ,,
Graduating students: Day-of information
Pleasereview this information so you know what to expect and how to prepare for the big day.
Construction impacts
Construction activities will have partial traffic impacts beginning on Folsom Street near Colorado Avenue related to the university'schilled water line project. During commencement and related activities May 1–3, traffic will be reduced to a single shared lane on Folsom Street with turn lanes temporarily combined. Equipment staging may be present, but clear signage and traffic control will help guide attendees and participants. Any temporary changes to parking or access will be communicated well in advance.
Conduct, inclement weather and safety
To ensure a safe and fun commencement for all, graduates will be expected to abide by theStudent Code of Conduct. Disruptions to the ceremony will not be permitted. Use these tips to understand what to do in case of a weather delay, evacuation or emergency.
- Families and guests can opt into Ҵýƽ Alerts messaging by texting “CUGRAD” to 67283. Guest subscribers will automatically be unsubscribed after commencement week. Message and data rates may apply. Text messages are sent on an as-needed basis.
- In the event of a weather delay or evacuation, listen carefully and follow any instructions provided audibly and on screens throughout the stadium. Commencement marshals and police officers will be available to assist those who need extra help.
- Call CU Police Department’s non-emergency line at 303-492-6666 for activities thatviolate campus use policies but do not pose an immediate threat to life or safety.
- Call 911 if someone is experiencing a medical emergency, is unresponsive, is engaged in a crime or is displaying behavior that is a threat to themselves or others.
- Ҵýƽ is committed to continuously improving our violence prevention and education efforts to meet the needs of the campus community. We encourage a campuswide culture of reporting through theDon’t Ignore It website. Anonymous tips can also be reported through.
Commencement vs. recognition ceremonies
The university commencement ceremony is the campuswide ceremony at Folsom Field. All students from all colleges and schools are invited to participate.
Recognition ceremonies are celebrations of individual student achievement—hosted by colleges, schools, departments and other programs. Graduating students' names are read, and diploma covers are presented as they cross the stage.
How to watch virtually
Can’t make it to the commencement ceremony? A livestream of the event will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. on thecommencement homepage. The livestream will have captions in English and Spanish. The ceremony will be recorded and available for viewing after the ceremony.
Share the moment: #ForeverBuffs
Celebrating on social media? Tag your posts with#ForeverBuffs so we can celebrate with you!
At commencement, keep an eye out for the QR code on the stadium jumbotron inviting graduates and guests to upload photos from the procession and inside the stadium for a chance to be featured!
Questions? Chat with a Buff Info liaison by clicking on the chat button lower right corner of thecommencement website.
Congratulations, Buffs, and please enjoy the celebration!