Commencement FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Common Questions about Commencement

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and our responses to help you navigate through Commencement.

Graduation Requirements
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: contact Academic Advising at 719-255-3260 or advising@uccs.edu for help with applying to graduate or confirming your graduation status and degree requirements. 

For master's and PhD graduate candidates: Contact your department staff or faculty representative.

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

Yes. Registering for the ceremony confirms your participation.

How do I purchase my cap and gown?

Visit the UCCS Campus Store in the University Center 

  • Commencement Regalia is available year-round at the UCCS Campus Store
How do I order announcements?
  • Visit the Jostens table at the Graduation Fair at the UCCS Campus Store in the University Center, or order directly by calling or at 719-255-3247.
     
  • Announcements are also available for purchase at the Copy Center. For more information, visit the Copy Center in University Center Room 105 or contact them at 719-255-3213 or copycenter@uccs.edu.
If I am graduating with honors, will I receive an honor cord?

Yes, you will be able to pick up your honor cord at check-in at the Commencement Ceremony.

Latin Honors are calculated based on a student's CU Cumulative GPA. For the commencement ceremony, including honor cords and the 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 diploma and transcripts. 

 

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 and other university affiliated organizations. 

Are graduate students eligible for Latin honors?

Latin honors for Master's and PhD graduate candidates are not awarded.

How long will Commencement take?

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The ceremony recognizes Ph.D./DNP, Master's and bachelor's graduates. 

 

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:

  • Any outside food or beverages
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana (legal or medical)
  • Illegal or illicit drugs
  • Drones
  • Flag/sign supports (ie flag sticks/poles)
  • Glass bottles or aluminum cans
  • Coolers
  • Thermos containers
  • Bota bags or wine skins
  • Bullhorns/whistles or noise makers
  • Laser pointers/pens
  • Framed backpacks
  • Confetti
  • Beach balls and other inflatables
  • Skateboards or rollerblades
  • Stools or folding chairs
  • Water bottles or mugs
  • Pets or animals (with the exception of service animals)
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Tools

Check here for more information.

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. 

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.

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

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

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

Will American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation be available?

Yes, we provide sign language in Section 107.

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

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 UCCS Campus Store table the day of graduation at the Broadmoor World Arena between Gates A and B.

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.

Is there a rehearsal?

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

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

Where do (specific) graduates sit?

In the order listed in the program. 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.

How do I join the UCCS Alumni Association?

All UCCS graduates receive a complimentary membership to the Alumni Association. Contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@uccs.edu or visit the Alumni Home Page for more information.

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

Grad Images customer service number is: 1-800-261-8576 for more information.

Following commencement, GradImages photographers will be circulating outside the commencement venue to capture additional candid photographs of our graduates with their loved ones. The GradImages staff will be wearing red vests, so they’ll be highly visible and easy to locate. Grab a red vest and snap some candid shots!

What services are available for Spanish Speaking guests?

There will be a welcome table with Spanish Speakers. Visit the Ceremony Resources page to access Spanish-translated documents, like the Ceremony Quick Facts.