Commencement

Caps, gowns and other regalia can be ordered online in advance of the ceremony. You will rent your gown but purchase the cap and tassel to keep. A photo ID is required to pick-up your cap, gown and regalia. Tassels are worn on the left side; your mortarboard cap should be worn level and not decorated. Honor society cords may be worn.

If you anticipate graduating as an undergraduate with academic distinction (summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude), or from the University Honors Program, place a regular regalia order. Once the academic distinction and/or Honors distinction is confirmed by the Registrar’s Office, you will receive an email. Present a copy of that email to the regalia vendor, and they will provide you the appropriate colored gown. 

Representatives from CB Grad Announcements (announcements) and Josten’s (class rings) will be on campus in the Lory Student Center Flea Market area (outside the University Bookstore) to take advanced, customized orders. Visit the Graduation Day F.A.Q. page for specific Grad Fair dates. Non-personalized announcements may be purchased at the University Bookstore anytime.

If you choose to create your invitations and want to include information about your degree, please follow these guidelines:

• Undergraduate Students: The degree awarded is the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in (insert Accounting, Marketing, etc.).
• Graduate Students: Degrees awarded will be the Master of Business Administration; Master of Accountancy; Master of Computer Information Systems; and Master of Finance.

Graduates who personally need wheelchair seating or sign language interpretation should contact Mike Jaramillo at (970) 491-4650.

Please visit the CSU commencement page to find the complete commencement schedule.

Please remember this is a public event, reflecting upon you as an individual and upon Colorado State University. Alcoholic beverages and inappropriate substances or objects are not allowed in Moby Arena. This ceremony is the capstone of the academic experience for you, other students, and family and friends. Your recognition of the rights of others to enjoy the ceremony free from disruptive or otherwise inappropriate behavior is appreciated and expected.

GradImages will be the onsite photographer at most ceremonies (excluding ROTC Commissioning). You can review photos for purchase online the week after commencement from GradImages. Or, if you would like to receive an e-mail when your graduate’s photos are available, please pre-register with GradImages.

Graduates receive a diploma cover at commencement. The actual diploma will be mailed to graduates approximately eight weeks after commencement. For those unable to attend the ceremony, diploma covers are available at the Registrar’s Office (at no charge) but if you prefer to have a cover mailed, simply submit a Diploma Request Form to diplomaoffice@colostate.edu. Note: $5.00 per cover is required to cover the postal fee for U.S. addresses.

As a new graduate, you have the opportunity to join the CSU Alumni Association at a reduced rate. Membership in the Alumni Association is not required to rent the cap and gown.

Watch for an email and give us your feedback on your post-graduation plans. Completing the survey prior to the day of commencement saves you time.

In the event of inclement weather, please call (970) 491-SNOW (7669) for updates on the University’s operating status and news of any closures or cancellations.

Tickets are required for all guests attending commencement. Children under 2 years of age do not require a ticket, however, must sit on another guest’s lap. Every graduate will be allotted a certain number of tickets. Tickets are general admission only. We recommend guests arrive early for better seat selection.

PDF tickets will be emailed to prior to the graduation ceremony, to their CSU email account. Tickets are not replaceable, nor do they have monetary value, and are single use only.

Moby Arena is on the northwest side of the main campus. The Moby parking lot, off Shields and Plum streets, will be open for students and guests. Parking is not allowed in the specific permit spaces in front of the “Fum” McGraw Building, nor in loading zones. Additional information regarding parking can be obtained from Commencement and Commissioning Parking.

Ushers will be present to provide assistance. Wheelchair pads are available at the west end of the arena. Those with limited mobility should sit in the first two rows of the concourse level.  The University cannot provide wheelchairs.

Guests needing sign language interpretation should sit on the south concourse in Section P for a clear view of the interpreters.  Students needing sign language interpretation should contact Mike Jaramillo at (970) 491-4650 for more information.

Please see the Visit Fort Collins website for more information on guest accommodations and restaurant reservations while visiting Fort Collins.

Livestreaming webcasts of the college ceremonies will be available. You can view a webcast of the current commencement as well as archived commencements from the past at the CSU Commencement page.

• Clear bag policy: For enhanced security, a clear bag policy will be enforced by security at Moby Arena.
• Security Screening: All graduates and guests are required to go through a metal detector when entering the Moby Complex.
• Water bottle policy:  Plastic, disposable and crushable bottles, empty and without a cap are permissible.

In the event of inclement weather, please call (970) 491-SNOW (7669) for updates on the University’s operating status and news of any closures or cancellations.