Gather, Reflect & Celebrate

Thank you for being a critical part of students’ experience at CU Boulder. Graduation is a celebration for your students, and it is also a celebration of all you have done in and out of the classroom to help your students succeed. We look forward to honoring you, your students and the rest of the Buff family at the commencement ceremony and recognition ceremonies.

Join the Traditional Commencement Ceremony

The spring commencement ceremony at CU Boulder begins with a time-honored tradition: the procession of faculty and graduates from Norlin Quad to Folsom Field. Join the chancellor, provost, deans and vice chancellors in this procession through campus to honor your students’ academic journey.

  • When: The procession will depart Norlin Quad promptly at 8 a.m.
  • Where: Please assemble under the faculty standard in Norlin Quad.
  • Where to: You will sit in the front of the doctoral student section during the ceremony.

Immediately after the commencement ceremony, you are invited to attend the Chancellor’s Commencement Brunch at the Sewall Lawn reception tent.

Regalia for Commencement

Experience an age-old tradition of wearing the same commencement attire CU Boulder faculty have worn for decades. To purchase custom fine-quality regalia for future use, order online or contact Jostens customer service at 800-854-7464.

Faculty who do not own regalia have several options with our regalia partner, Jostens. 

Rental Regalia

Faculty may reserve rental regalia from Jostens. Contact your academic unit for the possible payment for your regalia. Contact our Jostens college sales representative at clay.rogers@jostens.com to pay for your own regalia.

  • Faculty Master's Rental Package: Black mortarboard cap, black gown, black tassel and hood
  • Faculty Doctoral Rental Package: Black velvet six-sided tam with gold bullion tassel, black gown with black velvet trim and hood

After the ceremony, return your regalia to Balch Fieldhouse next to Folsom Field. If you do not return all your rental apparel, Jostens will charge your unit for the full replacement value of the items.

Purchase Regalia

Faculty can purchase the regalia sets sold by Jostens for master's and doctoral students. Information on these regalia sets is available on the Cap & Gown information page. Contact your academic unit first in case your unit is coordinating an order. Individual faculty may also pay on their own for this regalia option by contacting our Jostens college sales representative directly.

Celebrate at Your Recognition Ceremony

Celebrate with your students at your college, school, department or program’s recognition ceremony after the commencement ceremony. Learn when and where to celebrate with your unit.

Spring Recognition Ceremonies

Honor Your Fall Graduates in December

Plan to attend a winter recognition ceremony for your students who graduate in December. View the winter recognition ceremony schedule.

Winter Recognition Ceremonies

Regalia for Winter Recognition Ceremonies

Regalia options for winter are similar to those for spring commencement. We recommend contacting your academic unit to coordinate on regalia for winter recognition ceremonies.