Commencement
Updates on Fall Commencement
At this time, we are working on plans to celebrate with our graduates – including the spring graduates whose ceremony was delayed this May. The specifics of the plan and timing of the celebrations will depend upon public health guidance as the semester unfolds. We maintain our commitment to celebrate with our students as we finalize our plans for the Fall semester.
Spring 2020 graduates – please continue to monitor your CSU email after May for information regarding the December ceremony.
At Colorado State University, our priority is the health and well-being of our students and their families, our faculty and staff, and our entire CSU community. CSU is closely monitoring and following COVID-19 guidance as outlined by public health experts.
After much consideration, we have made the very difficult but necessary decision to postpone the Spring 2020 ceremonies. Recognizing the important milestone of being a part of the formal commencement ceremony, the spring and summer graduates will be invited to walk alongside fellow Rams during the Fall 2020 ceremonies.
With the decision to unite both May and December ceremonies, we anticipate releasing an updated Fall 2020 schedule as we are able.
Please visit the University’s information about COVID-19 webpage to read more about the University’s pandemic preparedness planning, other updates, and protocols for the campus community, including President McConnell’s most recent message to campus.
Regalia
For questions regarding the transfer of your regalia order to the December ceremonies or regalia refunds, please email member@colostate.edu. Cap and gown info.
Degree Conferral
The cancellation of the graduation ceremony will not affect conferral of degrees. A few weeks before the end of the semester, graduating seniors will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office with information about updating mailing addresses in RAMweb so that diplomas can be mailed. Diplomas are typically received 4-6 weeks after degree conferral.
Details
Planning to graduate? You will declare your intent to graduate on RamWeb when you register for your final semester of classes. Look for an email from Registrar’s Office providing information on completing a Graduation Contract.
More information on the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony.
- Location: Intramural Gym of Moby Arena (map)
- Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m.
- You must be checked in and lined up under the department sign for your major no later than 7:00 p.m.
At check in, you will pick up your walk card before you line up. Please arrive early, as this may be a time-consuming process with the large number of students graduating. You will give your walk card to the announcer, who will read your name and honors.
- Bachelor’s degree graduates wear black caps and gowns.
- Cum laude graduates wear gold caps and gowns. You must have your Registrar’s letter to receive your gown.
- University Honors Program scholars wear green caps and gowns and bachelor’s stole.
- Caps (mortarboard caps) are one size fits most and are yours to keep. Graduates requiring sized caps must return them immediately after the ceremony in exchange for a souvenir cap.
- Tassels are gold and are yours to keep. Tassels are worn on the right side and moved to left during the ceremony.
Regalia Rentals
Please visit https://alumni.colostate.edu/grad-packs/ for information on renting regalia. Deadline to order online is March 30, 2020.
Regalia Distribution
- Location: Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center
- Date and Time: Wednesday May 13 through Friday May 15 from 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Photo ID is required for pick-up
Regalia Returns
All regalia must be returned following the ceremony, as there will not be a location available on campus after the ceremony. Please return to the Intramural Gym. Please note that there may be a charge for late returns.
CSU has a clear bag policy for Moby Arena. This means that all bags brought into the arena must be clear. Please find details on the policy at https://commencement.colostate.edu/media/sites/68/2018/10/Clear_Bag_Policy-10.03.18.pdf
Guest Entrance: Map
There is no reserved seating or distribution of tickets. You may invite as many guests as you wish. As a courtesy to other guests, please do not block off rows of seats.
Disabled Seating/Access: The first two rows of the north and south sides of Moby are designated for those guests who need assistance or accommodation for mobility. The first three rows in section P are for hearing impaired, and the four “corners” are designated for guests with wheelchairs and a companion. Guests may access the Moby Arena via the north and south entrances, although the north entrance is the easiest for dropping off guests as it faces the street. Please contact the Dean’s Office at (970) 491-1300 or cns-deanoff_reception@Mail.Colostate.edu for more information.
Graduates receive a diploma cover at commencement. The actual diploma will be mailed to all graduates six to eight weeks after commencement. For those unable to attend the ceremonies, diploma covers are available in the Registrar’s Office at no charge. Please submit mailing requests to Diplomaoffice@colostate.edu; the postage cost is $5.00 per cover for U.S. mailings.
GradImages® provides photographers for the ceremony. Following commencement, GradImages photographers will be circulating outside the commencement venue to capture additional candid photographs of our graduates with their loved ones. The GradImages staff will be wearing red vests, so they’ll be highly visible and easy to locate. Grab a red vest and snap some candid shots!
You may review photos for purchase online the week after commencement at www.gradimages.com. To receive an email when your photos are available, visit http://www.gradimages.com/Preregistration. For additional information, please contact (800) 261-2576 or giservice@gradimages.net.
Please visit http://commencement.colostate.edu/graduation-day-f-a-q/ for information pertaining to the purchase of graduation announcements.
It is illegal to bring alcoholic beverages into Moby Arena. Uniformed police officers, event staff, and faculty marshals will be in attendance when you enter the assembly area and throughout the ceremony. In accordance with Commencement policies, robes, purses, etc., may be inspected as you enter. Prohibited items are not allowed and will be confiscated. All attendees should refrain from using air horns.
Please Remember. . . The College Commencement Ceremony is the capstone of your academic experience at CSU. It is a public event that reflects upon you as an individual and the College and University as a whole. Your recognition of the rights of other students, their families, and their friends to enjoy the ceremony free from disruptive or otherwise inappropriate behavior is appreciated.
