Ram statues butting heads in front of Canvas Stadium at Colorado State University

Spring 2025 Commencement

Friday, May 16, 2025 — 9 a.m.

Beginning in May 2025, Colorado State University is excited to host a single all-University commencement ceremony each spring at Canvas Stadium. Additionally, departments or academic units will host their own recognition events during which graduates’ names will be read and diploma covers issued. 

This University-wide ceremony will feature a prominent commencement speaker to inspire graduates and will allow more Rams to celebrate together on a day of spirited tradition and celebration, aligning with commencement practices at other leading universities. Departmental/unit events will offer a more intimate setting where students, families and faculty and staff can mingle and share in our grads’ achievements.

For degree completion in the listed semester below, students are encouraged to participate in the corresponding commencement:

Summer 2025 degree completion ⟩ Spring 2025 commencement
Fall 2025 degree completion ⟩ Spring 2026 commencement

If a student wishes to walk in a spring commencement different than recommended, they may contact their home department.

In the coming months, more information will be shared on this page regarding Spring 2025 commencement.

Spring, Summer and Fall 2024 Graduates

There will be no changes to the Spring 2024 and December 2024 ceremonies. These will be the final college-based ceremonies before CSU transitions to the new format.

The Spring 2025 ceremony will welcome students completing their degree requirements in Spring 2025 and Summer 2025. Summer 2024 graduates may choose to participate in the Spring 2024 or Spring 2025 ceremony. December 2024 graduates may choose to participate in the December 2024 ceremony or the Spring 2025 ceremony. 

Graduates throw their caps at Canvas stadium

SP25 Commencement Planning and Campus Engagement 

The planning for Spring ’25 commencement will include several core committees, which will be identified in the upcoming weeks. Input from these committees will guide next steps and further development of the commencement plan.


Frequently Asked Questions

We realize with the announcement that CSU is moving to a new commencement model in Spring 2025, our community will have many questions. The below FAQ list will be updated with responses to common questions we are receiving as information from our planning process becomes available.

No, there are no changes to 2024 commencement ceremonies. Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 ceremonies will continue in their existing format, which consists of colleges holding individual graduation ceremonies in Moby Arena.

Having one university-wide commencement creates a shared experience for all CSU graduates, while also offering the opportunity for graduates and families to connect directly with the faculty from their specific area of study at the recognition ceremonies. This change to commencement elevates the experience for graduates and their guests and establishes new traditions that will enhance the student experience at CSU.

Beginning Spring 2025, the CSU commencement ceremony will be a university-wide ceremony in which students of all degree types, from all colleges and schools, participate at the same time. Degrees will be collectively conferred upon graduating students at this ceremony.

Recognition ceremonies will be celebrations of individual student achievement that complement the university-wide commencement ceremony. While each recognition event may be different in form and structure, reflecting the personality of the department(s), during these events graduating students’ names will be read and students will receive their diploma covers.   

CSU invites and encourages students to participate in both the all-University commencement and their department recognition ceremony. However, neither event is required for a student to obtain their degree.

Families and guests are invited to participate in both ceremonies, noting that space at the commencement ceremony may be limited.

Yes. Both graduate and undergraduate students will be invited to participate in the all-University commencement. Students will also be invited to participate in relevant recognition events.

CSU is working with the campus community to develop the framework for Spring 2025 Commencement Weekend. A preliminary schedule outlining department ceremonies and the all-University ceremony will be released in Fall 2024.