Graduating Student FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions we receive from students preparing to graduate.

If you don't see the answer to your question here, please click the “Questions? Let’s Chat.” box in the lower right corner of our website to begin a chat with a Buff Info representative. You may also email our Commencement Office at commencement@colorado.edu.

Do I need to apply for graduation?

Yes. You must apply to graduate through the Buff Portal for the semester in which you’ll officially and successfully complete all requirements for the degree(s) and major(s) you’re pursuing. CU Boulder officially confers degrees at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters, but everyone is encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony in the spring.

If you wish to include your name in this year’s commencement program, you need to submit your application to graduate by April 1. Visit the Office of the Registrar’s site to learn where and how to apply to graduate.

How do I apply for graduation?

You will apply to graduate through the Buff Portal’s apply for graduation card. Visit the Office of the Registrar’s graduation information page for detailed step-by-step instructions on how to apply to graduate and current deadlines.

What is the deadline to submit, update or withdraw a graduation application?

Deadlines vary based on your degree type with separate deadlines for graduate and MBA students, law students and undergraduate students. Visit the Office of the Registrar’s Graduation Academic Calendar for full details.

Please note, if you submit your application to graduate after April 1, your name will not appear in this year’s commencement program.

How do I change my graduation date?

Contact your academic advisor if your plans for graduation change, and make sure you have made the necessary adjustments to your application to graduate.

When will I receive my diploma?

Look for your diploma to arrive in the mail about eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you complete your degree requirements. For more information or to update your diploma address, please visit the Office of the Registrar’s graduation information page.

Where do I get my diploma?

The university will mail diplomas to all graduates about eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you complete your degree requirements. Check the Graduation & Diploma Calendar for the semester-specific date. Be sure to update your diploma name and mailing address by the deadline.

You will receive your diploma cover at your recognition ceremony, but you can also pick it up at the Office of the Registrar if you do not attend your recognition ceremony. More information on diplomas and certificates is available on the registrar’s webpage.

I have additional questions about my diploma or transcripts. Where can I get more information?

How do I get my diploma cover?

Graduates will receive diploma covers at their college, school, department or program recognition ceremony during winter or spring . If you do not attend your recognition ceremony, you can pick up a diploma cover at the Office of the Registrar. Please visit the Office of the Registrar’s website for their open hours.

What are Grad Days?

Grad Days is a weeklong celebration of graduating students that occurs each year before commencement. The schedule varies year to year with highlights that include cap decorating, campus photo opportunities, and events such as Grad Bash and Senior Class Grab & Go Breakfast.

What is Grad Bash?

Grad Bash is a celebration for all Forever Buffs hosted by the Alumni Association. The annual tradition features free food and refreshments, a DJ and, of course, plenty of photo opportunities to capture this unforgettable time in your life. More information on Grad Bash is available on the event webpage.

Where and when is Grad Bash?

Grad Bash is typically held in early May, the day before reading day each spring semester at the Koenig Alumni Center.

If I'm graduating in the fall or summer, can I still participate in the commencement ceremony?

Yes! We encourage all fall, spring and summer graduates to participate in the university commencement ceremony. If you graduated in the fall or submitted a spring or summer graduation application by the April 1 deadline, your name will be listed in the commencement program. See the above “Apply for Graduation” FAQ section for details on how to submit a graduation application.

How do I check whether my name will be in the commencement program?

Your name will be in the program if you graduated in the fall or submitted a spring or summer graduation application by the April 1 deadline. See the “Commencement Program” section of the Office of the Registrar’s Graduation & Commencement page for more details.

Where and when do I get my cap and gown for commencement?

Undergraduate students can purchase their caps and gowns at the CU Book Store. Master’s and doctoral students purchase regalia from Jostens. See the Caps & Gowns page for detailed information.

Do I have to wear a cap and gown at the commencement ceremony?

Yes, to participate in the commencement ceremony you need to be in regalia. Most recognition ceremonies have similar requirements, but we recommend you check with your unit to confirm.

What’s the difference between the commencement ceremony and recognition ceremonies?

The commencement ceremony is the campuswide ceremony in which students from all colleges and schools participate. CU Boulder’s chancellor officially confers degrees upon graduating students at this ceremony.

Recognition ceremonies are celebrations of individual student achievement. While each ceremony is different in form and structure, these events are typically where graduating students have their names called and receive the diploma cover as they cross the stage. Please contact the hosting unit for more information. More information on recognition ceremonies is available on our winter recognition ceremonies page and our spring recognition ceremonies page.