Frequently asked questions
Overview: University-wide Commencement & recognition ceremonies
How does University-wide Commencement work?
CSU graduates have the opportunity to attend a once-a-year, University-wide Commencement where all graduates will be honored in a single event. Graduates are also invited to participate in smaller recognition ceremonies with academic units, which are held the same weekend as the University-wide Commencement. Master’s and doctoral students are invited to participate in the Graduate School’s recognition and hooding ceremony with the exception of DVM candidates and College of Business master’s students.
The University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremony events will be held each Spring. Graduates and their supporters should plan to attend both events to have the full graduation experience.
There are not undergraduate ceremonies in December; commencement activities happen once a year each Spring. Master’s and doctoral students have spring and fall commencement options.
When should graduates participate in commencement?
Students may participate in the once-a-year commencement events: University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremony, that best align with the completion of their credits at CSU and their scheduling needs. Most students choose to participate in the commencement ceremony following the completion of their degree requirements; however, students may select the commencement before or after degree requirement completion based on preference or schedule.
For example:
- A student who graduates in Summer 2026 could RSVP for Spring 2026 or wait to participate in Spring 2027 commencement events.
- A student who graduates in Fall 2026 could RSVP for Spring 2026 or Spring 2027 commencement events.
Students must RSVP to participate in Spring 2026 University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremonies.
When is my recognition ceremony scheduled?
Recognition ceremonies will be held Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 2026. Times, dates, and locations can be found here.
What happens at the University-wide Commencement?
University-wide Commencement offers a shared, traditional experience for all CSU graduates and their guests. Students will wear traditional regalia and engage in a processional to enter Canvas Stadium, as well as hear from university leadership and a prominent keynote speaker to celebrate the milestone of graduating college.
Students will not cross the stage and names will not be read during University-wide Commencement. This tradition will take place in the smaller, academic-unit-based recognition ceremonies.
What happens at smaller recognition ceremonies?
Smaller recognition ceremonies are grouped by college or academic unit. Students and faculty will wear traditional regalia (with the exception of the Honors ceremony), students will cross a stage, names will be read, and diploma covers will be distributed at recognition ceremonies.
Recognition ceremonies will range from one to two hours. Doors will open one hour before ceremony start times.
Of note: Some students may be able to attend more than one recognition ceremony. For example, students with a double major, ROTC or Honors students may choose to attend multiple recognition ceremonies. Master’s and doctoral candidates will attend the Graduate School ceremony, with the exception of DVM and College of Business master’s students.
Ceremony details
How long will the ceremony be?
University-wide Commencement: The ceremony will be approximately 90 minutes.
Recognition ceremonies: Recognition ceremonies will range from one to two hours.
Graduates and guests are encouraged to make a plan for where to meet following the ceremonies.
Where and when do graduates meet before ceremonies?
University-wide Commencement: Graduates will line up for processional just north of Canvas Stadium in lot 473 one hour before the ceremony when gates open at 9 a.m.
Recognition ceremonies: Graduates will line up at a nearby location within the same venue as their recognition ceremony. Lineup locations will vary by venue and will be communicated with graduates directly.
Where do families and guests go? When should they arrive?
University-wide Commencement: Canvas Stadium doors will open one hour prior to the ceremony at 9 a.m.
- Guest seating is general admission and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Seating for guests with limited mobility is available. Please connect with an usher upon arrival or contact [email protected] for assistance reserving accessible seating.
Recognition ceremonies: Doors open one hour prior to each ceremony.
- Guest seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis across venues.
- Recognition ceremonies are ticketed. Graduates will receive digital tickets for their guests in the “colostate.edu” emails prior to commencement events.
- Limited accessible seating will be available at each venue, with overflow seating available at recognition ceremonies. Review all accessibility and accommodation information for commencement ceremonies.
Where can supporters meet their graduates following the University-wide Commencement?
Graduates should pre-arrange a meeting place with family and friends near ceremony venues. Canvas Stadium will not be open as a gathering location following University-wide Commencement.
Flags identifying colleges will be located around Canvas Stadium to provide a focal gathering point for graduates, friends, and family.
Is University-wide Commencement rain or shine?
Yes. University-wide Commencement will be held in sunshine, rain, snow, or sleet. Please plan attire accordingly.
As with any outdoor university event, severe weather delays may occur.
For safety updates such as closed roads, building outages, and out-of-service elevators, text CSUALERT to 888777.
For safety updates at university events such as football games, concerts, or commencement text CSURAMS to 888777.
Common student questions
I’m completing my degree in Summer or Fall, can I participate in the Spring 2026 commencement?
Yes! Students are able to select whichever Spring commencement they prefer. Simply RSVP through RAMweb to note that you’re planning to attend. If you are unable to access the RAMweb RSVP form, or encounter other issues, email [email protected] for assistance.
The time a student participates in commencement ceremonies does not have any bearing on academic degree completion. Commencement simply refers to the celebratory events taking place each spring.
Ceremonies for master’s and doctoral candidates are currently held in both the fall and spring.
I have more than one major, which recognition ceremony do I attend?
You may choose to attend just one or both recognition ceremonies for your majors. Be sure to select all the ceremonies you wish to attend when you RSVP!
Can CSU Online students participate in commencement events?
Yes! CSU Online students are absolutely invited to participate in commencement events. As with other graduating students, CSU Online graduating students should RSVP via RAMweb.
I’m a graduate student, are my steps to graduate and participate in commencement different from undergraduates?
Yes. All graduate students must fill out the GS25 application form to begin the multi-step Graduate School process toward degree completion. Review the Graduate Checklist and the Graduate School’s academic deadlines to ensure you’re checking every box for commencement.
Where do I order my graduation announcements? Class rings?
Personalized graduation announcements can be ordered through CB Grad; non-personalized announcements are available at the CSU Bookstore.
How do I order my cap and gown? How do I know which color to order?
All details regarding regalia (cap and gown) and what to wear at commencement can be found on the regalia page.
Latin Distinction eligibility emails will be sent in February for spring graduates by the Office of the Registrar.
Any student with a Summer or Fall intent to graduate (meaning they will walk in the spring ceremony before completing their degree), who would like to be considered for walking with distinction, will need to contact [email protected] to request their record be reviewed for eligibility.
When and how will I receive my official diploma?
The CSU Registrar’s office will mail diplomas to the mailing address on file following degree completion. Plan on 8-12 weeks after degree conferral for your diploma to arrive in the mail.
Students should update their mailing address in RAMweb to ensure their diploma is mailed to the correct location.
Diploma covers will be handed out during recognition ceremonies. If a student is unable to attend the recognition ceremony, visit the Office of the Registrar in Centennial Hall on campus to pick up a diploma cover, or have your diploma cover shipped.
CSU Online students will receive an email from CSU Online after degrees are conferred offering them a graduation bundle, which includes a diploma cover and tassel for those who cannot attend commencement ceremonies. Students must respond and opt in to receive the bundle.
If I have two majors, will I receive two diplomas?
Students with multiple majors may be eligible for multiple diplomas. Please review the different degree types in the catalog: Degree Requirements < Colorado State University.
Am I eligible for Latin Distinction?
Latin Distinction eligibility emails will be sent by February for spring graduates by the Office of the Registrar.
Are you a Summer or Fall graduate? Students with an anticipated graduation date are also invited to participate in the Spring commencement ceremony with the Latin distinction designation.
Any student with a Summer or Fall intent to graduate (meaning they will walk in the spring ceremony before completing their degree), who would like to be considered for walking with distinction, will need to contact [email protected] to request their record be reviewed for eligibility.
I’m an international student. How do I obtain the required invitation letter for my family and/or guest visitor visas?
The Office of International Programs provides this resource for invitation letters and advice on the process.
Additionally, the Registrar’s Office can provide “Upon Completion” Letters, typically needed for employers to confirm a student will have their degree awarded at the end of the term upon successful completion of this semester’s courses. Email the registrar for further detail.
I am completing a graduate certificate. Am I eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies?
No, please note that commencement ceremonies are reserved for those completing requirements for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Is there a resource for students who cannot afford a Grad Pack to obtain regalia for commencement ceremonies?
Yes! The ASCSU Graduation Gown Lending Library allows undergraduate students to borrow a graduation cap, gown, and tassel at no cost so they can take graduation photos and participate in commencement ceremonies in full regalia alongside their peers.
I purchased my regalia and don’t want to keep it. Is there a good way to recycle or donate my cap and gown?
Yes! The ASCSU Graduation Gown Lending Library provides a free lending service to students who need regalia. This is a great sustainable option to make sure your undergraduate/bachelor’s cap and gown go to use for years to come!
Master's and doctoral students
Do master's candidates attend academic unit recognition ceremonies?
Most master’s and doctoral students will participate in the Graduate School Commencement ceremony. DVM candidates and College of Business master’s students will attend separate recognition ceremonies held by their colleges.
What is a doctoral hooding ceremony?
Doctoral hooding ceremonies are a unique recognition of the achievement of students who have earned a doctoral degree. Tradition at Colorado State University calls for doctoral students to be hooded by their advisors during commencement. In some cases, this may be a member of the student’s committee or someone else who has been significant to the student during their graduate career.
Each candidate will bring an appropriate hood to the ceremony as provided with their regalia purchase.
What steps must I take to participate in commencement and graduate?
All graduate students must fill out the GS25 application form to begin the multi-step Graduate School process toward degree completion. Review the Graduate Checklist and the Graduate School’s deadlines for completing degree requirements to ensure you’re checking every box for commencement.
I will graduate in the summer, what steps should I take to participate in the Spring Commencement?
If you plan to graduate in the summer and would like your name published in line with Spring Commencement, you must submit your GS6 Program of Study and submit the GS25 application for graduation by March 6. Access these forms on RAMweb.
More information is available on the Graduate School’s deadlines website.
When should graduate students participate in commencement?
Students may participate in the annual, spring University-wide Commencement that best aligns with the completion of their degree and their schedule needs. Most students choose to participate in ceremonies following the completion of their degree; however, students may select the commencement before or after degree completion based on preference or schedule.
Ceremonies for master’s and doctoral candidates are currently held in the spring and fall.
If master’s or doctoral candidates would like their name published in line with Spring Commencement but before their degree completion, they must submit a GS6 Program of Study and GS25 application for graduation by March 6. Access Graduate School forms on RamWeb or find more information on the Graduate School’s deadlines dates website.
What do I need to RSVP for?
All students must RSVP via RAMweb to participate in the Spring University-wide Commencement and recognition ceremonies.
How do I order my cap and gown? How do I know which color to order?
Graduates will purchase their regalia through the Alumni Association’s Grad Packs (available beginning Jan. 20). Hood color varies by degree; the regalia provider has the full information, including eligible students and their degrees, and will ensure you receive the correct regalia.
If you missed the Grad Pack online ordering deadline, don’t worry! Onsite sales will be available during Grad Fest and Senior Send Off at the Smith Alumni Center.
What can I do if my doctoral advisor isn’t available to hood me?
If your advisor is unable to attend, you may work with your advisor to invite another CSU faculty member to the ceremony.
Will diplomas be handed out at the ceremony?
Diploma covers will be handed out during recognition ceremonies. If a student is unable to attend the recognition ceremony, visit the Office of the Registrar in Centennial Hall on campus to pick up a diploma cover, or have your diploma cover shipped.
The actual diploma will be mailed by the Registrar’s Office to the address that you have listed on your RAMweb account about 8-12 weeks after the last day of classes of the semester that you completed your degree requirements.
Food options
Where should I plan to eat in Fort Collins during commencement?
VISIT Fort Collins provides a comprehensive list of restaurants in the Fort Collins area.
Are there food options on campus during commencement events?
Canvas Stadium concessions will be open and food will be available for purchase during University-wide Commencement. Outside food and drink is not permitted. Empty soft-sided water bottles are permitted, and water fill stations are present throughout the stadium.
Lory Student Center Dining offers a variety of dining options, the majority of which will be open on Friday. A smaller selection will be available on Saturday, including Freddy’s and Subway.
There are also dozens of dining options within 10-minutes of campus (walking), including coffee shops, casual dining, and full-service restaurants.
Moby Arena concessions will not be open during recognition ceremonies taking place at the arena.