Graduation
Students are eligible to graduate at the close of the term in which they successfully complete all requirements for their degree program. Degrees are typically conferred at the close of fall semester, spring semester and summer session. Students must apply for graduation through Buff Portal by the published deadline for the term in which they complete degree requirements. Instructions for applying and important dates and deadlines are available on the Office of the Registrar's Graduation & Commencement webpage. Individual colleges and schools may require additional processes for students completing their degrees.
Commencement
A general commencement ceremony is held in May for all students who have graduated or anticipate to graduate in a given academic year (fall, spring and summer). This ceremony is open to the public and no tickets are required. Many departments, colleges and schools hold recognition ceremonies in both fall and spring semesters. For details about the ceremony, visit CU Boulder's Commencement website.
Diplomas
Please see the Academic Records section.
Academic Program Discontinuance
In the event a degree program is discontinued, students currently enrolled in the program have a four-year period in which to complete their degree requirements. This four-year period starts at the end of the academic year in which the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) takes action to discontinue the program. No new or returning students will be admitted into a discontinued degree program. Students not completing the degree requirements in the four-year period are not permitted to receive the discontinued degree. In such cases, credit hours accumulated may be applied to the overall number of credit hours required toward graduation, but the student must seek the advice of their college or school to determine how these credit hours might apply to a new degree program.