Fall Commencement

Fall Commencement

Fall Commencement

Given uncertain pandemic forecasting, we are currently dually planning for both in-person and virtual Commencement scenarios. Please watch for email updates.

Through your Commencement registration, UCCS will be gathering important information about the future, in the event we celebrate virtually this semester. In order to guarantee photo inclusion in the event of a virtual ceremony, please upload a photo by Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Photos can still be submitted after this date but there is no guarantee of inclusion.

REGISTER HERE

PHOTO UPLOAD HERE

 

Our fall ceremony will be held on Friday, December 18 and typically begins at 2 p.m.
We will feature all UCCS colleges and schools:

- College of Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences -
- College of Business and Administration -
- School of Public Affairs -
- College of Education -
- College of Engineering and Applied Science -
- College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences -

Fall Commencement Details

 

Important Dates

Week of November 9, 2020: 

Virtual Graduation Fair: Purchase caps and gowns, and order invitations, and/or class rings. Graduation Fairs will be held virtually this year.

PLEASE NOTE: All Graduates MUST purchase Regalia through the Bookstore or at the Graduation Fair. If you are unable to attend the Graduation Fair, regalia is available for purchase at the UCCS Bookstore during regular business hours.

December 18, 2020

Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement will be held on Friday, Dec. 18. Typically, our ceremonies begin at 2:00 p.m. If in person, graduates should arrive no later than 1:15 pm. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Checklist

Fall Commencement Checklist

Fall FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure I have completed all the requirements for graduation and I am on the list to graduate?

For bachelor's degree candidates: call the Academic Advising at 719-255-3260 to set up an appointment for a Senior Audit

For master's and PhD/DNP graduate candidates: Contact your department staff or faculty representative. Check out Advising here. 

I have completed my Senior Audit. Do I have to register for the ceremony?

Yes. Registering for the ceremony confirms your participation. Watch for registration announcement emails and text messages.

How do I purchase my cap and gown?

Attend the virtual Graduation Fair the week of November 9, 2020. Watch for additional information from the Bookstore.

If you can’t make the Graduation Fair, regalia is available in the UCCS Bookstore or online at the UCCS Bookstore website up until commencement.

How do I order announcements?
  • Information will be given out at the Graduation Fair, in the UCCS Bookstore, or you can order directly by calling 719-255-3247
  • Announcements are also available for purchase at the Copy Center. For more information, visit the Copy Center in University Center Room 108 or contact them at 719-255-3213 or copycenter@uccs.edu.
How are Latin Honors calculated?

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student’s CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the printed program, final semester grades may not be included in this calculation. Latin Honor designations are recalculated once all grades are posted and will be displayed on official diplomas and transcripts.
 

If I am graduating with honors, will I receive an honor cord?

Yes, honor cords are ordered for graduates graduating with honorary distinction Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude, based on Fall GPAs. All individuals receiving Latin honors will receive an honor cord when they check in on the day of Commencement.

What do the different color honor cords represent?

For bachelor's degree candidates: Latin Honors: Summa Cum Laude (old gold), Magna Cum Laude (silver), and Cum Laude (bronze). Other colors represent involvement in honor societies, clubs or other affinity groups.

Are graduate students eligible for Latin honors?

No, Latin honors are only awarded to bachelor’s graduate candidates.

What time does Commencement start?

Commencement for undergraduate and graduate students typically starts at 2:00 p.m. If in person, graduates are asked to be at The Broadmoor World Arena by 1:15 pm.

How long will Commencement ceremony last?

Approximately 2 hours for the undergraduate & graduate ceremony.

Directions to Broadmoor World Arena

 Direction Map

FROM INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 25: 
Take Exit 138 (S. Circle Dr./Lake Ave.); West on Lake Ave. 2 blocks to Venetucci Blvd.; South on Venetucci Blvd. to the Broadmoor World Arena (formerly Colorado Springs World Arena)

ALTERNATE ROUTES: 
* From the North:  Take I-25 south to Exit 140B (Nevada Ave.); South on Nevada Ave. to either Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. or Cheyenne Meadows Rd. to Venetucci Blvd.; Follow to the Broadmoor World Arena (formerly Colorado Springs World Arena). 
* From the South: Take I-25 North to Exit 135 (Academy Blvd.); West on Academy Blvd. to B Street; North on B Street, then north on Venetucci Blvd. to the Broadmoor World Arena (formerly Colorado Springs World Arena)

Do I need to pay for parking at The Broadmoor World Arena?

No. Parking is free in the lots surrounding The Broadmoor World Arena. Event staff will direct you to the appropriate parking locations.

Am I allowed to bring outside items into The Broadmoor World Arena?

It depends on the item. We are required to follow the guidelines set forth by The Broadmoor World Arena. All bags and backpacks will be searched upon entry. No outside food or beverages will be allowed. 

If you have a stroller or infant carrier/car seat, it must be checked at the Penrose Club Entrance. There is not room in the seating area for these items. Please hold small children on your laps.

The following Items will not be permitted inside of The Broadmoor World Arena:

  • Helium Balloons
  • Beach Balls or Water Guns
  • Silly String or Confetti
  • Horns, Cow Bells, Sirens, or any other Noise Maker
  • WEAPONS (including items that resemble weapons)
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Large Signs, Posters or Pictures that obstruct the view of those around you
  • Recording Devices that will obstruct the view of those around you (i.e. Holding up an iPad/tablet, Tripods etc.)
  • Remote controlled recording devices (i.e. Drones)
Do guests need tickets to attend Commencement?

No. Early arrival guarantees the best seating.

Are graduates limited to a certain number of guests?

No, but there is a limit to the number of seats that can be "saved," if you have plans of sending one person early. The Broadmoor World Arena only allows two seats to be saved by any one person. Ten minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, the open seats will become available for others. Please note: due to COVID-19, this will likely change in the event of an in-person ceremony.

Are there handicap seating areas for individuals with wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers?

Yes. Accessible seating is available on the concourse level (row K)

*Handicapped parking spaces are available at the Broadmoor World Arena.

Is real-time captioning provided?

Yes. All spoken information during the ceremony will be captioned and made available to follow along in real-time from a personal, mobile device. To access this service and follow along during the ceremony, open the browser on your mobile device and enter the following website: uccs.io/cc.

Please keep in mind that data rates from your personal device may apply. Wi-Fi is not available at the Broadmoor World Arena.

Captioning Services provided by: Caption First

Is there a designated hearing impaired section?

Yes, we provide sign language in Section 107.

Accessible seating is available for hearing impaired individuals, plus 1-2 guests.

Which side of my cap does the tassel go on?

For Undergraduates: Tassels should start on the right side of the mortarboard. At the end of the ceremony graduates will be asked to move it to the left.

For Masters and Ph.D.s: Tassels begin and remain on the left side of the mortarboard.

Where do (specific) graduates sit?

In the order listed in the program; see map on inside back cover. Graduates will cross the stage in a double line fashion.

Will there be an opportunity to get photos with faculty and/or the dean of my college?

Faculty are encouraged to mingle with graduates following the ceremony on the arena floor, should the event be held in person this fall. 

How do I order Graduation pictures from the Ceremony?

You can visit http://www.gradimages.com/universityofcoloradocoloradosprings. The following two pieces of information are required:

  • Last Name of the graduate
  • Graduate Year

For more information contact Grad Images customer service at 1-800-261-8576.

Is there a rehearsal?

There is no rehearsal for the ceremony. Graduates will be lined up by degree upon arrival, if in person.

Ph.D.s and DNPs are hooded on stage individually. They will receive extra direction on site.

What are my options if I forget to purchase cap and gown or forget to pick up my cap and gown?

Limited caps and gowns are available for purchase at the Bookstore table the day of graduation at the Broadmoor World Arena between Gates A and B.

Can you recommend hotels/motels near the Broadmoor World Arena for out-of-town guests?

The University is unable to endorse individual hotels/motels; however, the Colorado Springs Visitors Guide website offers a listing of hotels in Colorado Springs.

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed by the end of March.

How do I join the UCCS Alumni Association?

Contact Lisa Bartholme, in the Alumni Relations Office at 719-255-3187 or visit the Alumni Home Page for more information.