Commencement Info for Guests
Information and Resources for Guests
Commencement
The University of Northern Colorado will host ceremonies on December 11-12, 2026 in the Bank of Colorado Arena. We are excited to host you on campus as you celebrate the achievement of your graduate!
Tickets are required for general entry and valid for one guest per ticket. Tickets are issued at no charge and sale of tickets is prohibited. Tickets will be distributed to graduates electronically to graduates via BearMail accounts. Guests must obtain tickets from their graduates in advance of the ceremony. Tickets will not be available at the ceremony entrance door.
Fall 2026 Commencement
Schedule of Ceremonies
- Friday, Dec. 11: Graduate Commencement
- 6:00 p.m.
- Doctoral, Specialist and Master’s students
- 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Undergraduate Commencement
- 9:00 a.m.
- Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business
- College of Natural and Health Sciences
- College of Performing and Visual Arts
- 12:30 p.m.
- College of Educational and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- 9:00 a.m.
ALL Guest entrance doors will close at the start of the ceremony to allow space for the graduates to enter the arena. Guests will be held in the lobby until the graduate procession is completed. Please plan to arrive early to avoid missing your graduate walking in.
Tickets
Tickets are required for entry.
Tickets are required for guests to attend the Commencement Ceremonies. Graduating students do not require a ticket. Tickets are assigned to specific ceremonies, are general admission and valid for one guest per ticket. Tickets are issued at no charge, and the sale of tickets is prohibited. All tickets will be distributed to graduates electronically via BearMail accounts. Guests must obtain tickets from their graduates in advance of the ceremony.
Tickets will not be available at the ceremony entrance door, and guests without a ticket will not be permitted entry to the arena.
Tickets will not be available at the ceremony entrance door.
Requesting Tickets
- Students must apply and be approved for graduation before requesting tickets. Eligible students will receive application instructions from the Registrar (undergraduate students) or the Graduate School (graduate students).
- Graduating students may request UP TO 6 TICKETS before the initial deadline of October 30.
- Instructions for requesting tickets will be emailed to students by 5:00 p.m. on November 1.
- After the initial deadline, additional tickets may be offered based on the total number of tickets requested and the venue capacity.
- If additional tickets are available following the initial ticket request deadline, graduating students will receive an email with instructions for requesting additional tickets and the total tickets remaining for their ceremony. Additional tickets may be requested until all remaining tickets are claimed.
- Students who are approved for graduation after the initial ticket deadline will receive a ticket request email when their application is reported as approved from Registrar/Graduate School to University Events. Once the student information is uploaded, a confirmation email will be sent from the ticketing system. While UNC makes every effort to ensure ticket availability for all graduating students, guest tickets cannot be guaranteed if requested after the initial deadline.
- Graduating students will receive an email when there are no remaining tickets available for their ceremony.
Accessing Tickets
Students who have been approved to graduate will receive ceremony ticket information when their data is uploaded into the ticketing system. This will occur by the end of the following business day after it is received by University Events from Registrar/Graduate School. The email will include instructions to create an account and claim their guest tickets.
Please visit the Commencement FAQ page for more details.
Ticketing Timeline
- September 30: Ticket request details emailed by 5:00 p.m. to students who have applied for graduation.
- November 1: Deadline at 11:59 p.m. MDT for ticket request with initial allotment of up to 6 tickets/graduating student.
- November 2: Availability of additional tickets emailed by 5:00 p.m. MDT to students who have applied for graduation. (Dependent upon number of tickets requested by November 1 deadline.)
- December 1: If a final allotment of tickets remains available, this will be emailed by 5:00 p.m. MDT to students who have been approved for graduation. (Dependent upon number of tickets requested by November 30.) This potential final allotment is not guaranteed.
- December 10: Final ticket request deadline at Noon MDT, based on ticket availability.
Ceremony Locations and Parking
ALL ceremonies will be located in the Bank of Colorado Area.
Parking is available at the Bank of Colorado Arena in lots L, M and Y. Vehicles must display valid state-issued hang tags or license plates.
Campus parking is free and open to the public during Commencement weekend. Parking permits are not required. Guests are asked to use official university parking lots. Parking in or near private residential areas is not permitted.
Visit Greeley
Welcome to Greeley! While you’re in town to celebrate, use our Visit Greeley partner and the Bear Biz directory to find local restaurants for celebration dinners, stay in hotels, and check out your graduate’s favorite hot spots near campus.
Be sure to visit our Bear sponsored businesses while you’re in town!
UNC Bookstore & Fan Shop
From diploma frames to alumni gear, you can find the perfect gift for your Bear Grad at the UNC Bookstore. Stop by the University Center location or shop online.
