Frequently Asked Commencement Questions
- What time should I arrive to participate in the ceremony?
Graduates should arrive for check in and lineup at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start.
- I'm graduating from multiple colleges. How do I know which one I should walk with?
If you have majors in different colleges, then you may choose which one you'd like to walk with. You do not need to notify anyone of your intentions because we'll be ready for you however you choose.
- Is there a rehearsal for the ceremony?
There is no rehearsal. Graduation staff will help you lineup in the right place, and faculty marshals will guide you through the ceremony.
- Do I need a ticket to get into the ceremony? How many guests can attend the ceremony?At this time tickets are not required to attend commencement ceremonies. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- How do I request accommodations for the ceremony?
If there may be barriers to accessing any commencement events and you need to request disability accommodations contact the Disability Resource Center with any questions you may have by phone 970-351-2289 or email DRC@unco.edu.
- Do I have to wear a mask to attend the ceremony?
No, face coverings are optional on campus.
- What are the guidelines for decorating my cap?
You may decorate your cap however you like as long as it does not include anything inappropriate or prevent others from participating in the ceremony.
- Will I be ok wearing high heels?
Commencement participation involves significant walking and graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.
During spring ceremonies, participation including across turf. To protect our turf from damage, we ask that you refrain from wearing stilettos at the spring ceremonies.
- How long is the ceremony?
We know commencement ceremonies can be lengthy, but we are here to celebrate each grad and their achievement. The size of the graduating class varies at each ceremony, meaning they can last anywhere from 1.5-2 hours.
- What if the weather is bad?
The university will do everything possible to host the spring ceremony outside at Nottingham Field as planned, however spring weather in Northern Colorado can be volatile.
Inclement weather decisions will be announced by 11 a.m. the Thursday before the ceremony through the UNC website, social media, and an email to each graduate. Inclement weather decisions are not reversed.
- Can I watch the ceremony from anywhere? Will there be a recording available afterward?
Yes! Just visit the ceremonies webpage to watch the ceremony livestream. Ceremony recordings are all available on UNC's YouTube channel.
- Is there accessible seating available?
There is designated accessible seating along the first row of bleachers in Bank of Colorado Arena for indoor fall ceremonies and designated seating areas in the bleachers on the east and west side of Nottingham Field for outdoor spring ceremonies.
- Where can I park?
UNC parking lots around campus are open to the public during Commencement weekend and permits are not required.
Friday Ceremonies: Primary parking is located in Lot C.
Saturday Ceremonies: Primary parking is located in Lots Y, L, and M, with overflow parking in D, B, E, and C. View parking map.
There are a number of accessible parking spaces near the venue(s). These spaces are reserved for vehicles that display the appropriate state-issued hang tags or license plates. Parking can only be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guests are asked to follow all parking and traffic signage, including posted restrictions. UNC's campus borders several neighborhoods where street parking and traffic directions may be restricted.
- What can I bring to the ceremony?
Feel free to bring personal items such as purses, camera bags and diaper bags. We do ask that guests refrain from bringing backpacks into the venue. Keep in mind that personal items are subject to search by the UNC Police Department.
- Are animals allowed inside ceremony venues?
Any certified service animal is welcome anywhere on campus. Pets that are not certified service animals won’t be permitted at commencement ceremonies.
- Where can I stay and dine in Greeley?
Greeley offers guests several lodging and dining options. Guests are encouraged to use the Visit Greeley directory for a complete list of partners.
- How do I make sure my name appears in the program?
Students must apply to graduate by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 2 to guarantee their name appears in the program. Students who apply to graduate after this deadline are welcome to participate in the ceremony but will not have their name in the program.
Pick your level of study to apply for graduation:
- How do I rent regalia? Can I purchase regalia to own?
Renting Regalia
Your years of hard work are almost complete, and your cap and gown are important symbols of your achievement. Order your cap and gown online through Herff Jones and choose to have your regalia shipped directly to you or pick it up on campus. Rental orders must be placed online by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Saturday April 1, 2023. Gowns and hoods must be returned following the ceremony.
Purchasing Regalia
If you are interested in owning your regalia, you can visit the site below to purchase regalia to own.
www.academicregalia.herffjones.com
Remember purchased regalia is made to order and has a standard lead time of 6-8 weeks (shipping not included). If you intend to purchase regalia, please make sure you leave plenty of time to ensure that your regalia order will arrive in time for your ceremony. Additionally, since all items on this site are made to order, all sales are considered final. Please use caution when ordering from this site and ensure that all of the information you are providing is accurate. If you are uncertain on something, like which color hood to order, please reach out to our local Herff Jones representative for assistance
Local Representative: Alex Frieler ajfrieler@herffjones.com
- What are the regalia refund policies?
UNC partners with Herff Jones to provide regalia rental to all graduates. Please see their policies below.
- Herff Jones Refund Policy
- Caps, Tassels, Gowns, and Regalia Accessories (i.e. Stoles): A refund will be provided so long as the product is unused and unopened. Refunds must be requested within two weeks after the ceremony. Keeper products being returned by students are returned at their expense. Certain customized and year dated products are not eligible for refund or return. Please reach out to Herff Jones customer service if you have specific questions.
- Announcements and Fine Paper Accessories: All sales are final. Please review proofs carefully before finalizing orders.
- Frames: Refund must be requested within 1 month of the product being delivered to the customer.
- Class Rings: All sales are final.
We stand by our products and will offer refunds on any product if a manufacturing or material defect is present.
- Herff Jones Customer Service
- Herff Jones Refund Policy
- What are my options for photos?
Each graduate has a portrait taken in front of a green screen at the side of the stage and a photo taken on the stage with your diploma cover. You will receive an email when your proofs are ready and you can choose whether to purchase photos at that point. Because portraits are in front of a green screen, you will have several background options to choose from. View and order photos here.
- I'm graduating this semester, but I’d like to walk in a future ceremony. How can I
do that?
Please reserve your spot online or reach out to alumni@unco.edu or 970-351-2551 to coordinate your plans.
- What does the graduation fee cover?
The graduation fee covers the cost of processing and posting a student’s degree. All graduating students are assessed the graduation fee independent of their participation in a commencement ceremony.
- How do I get my diploma?
Graduates receive their diplomas via mail following completion of the semester and verification of academic requirements.
- I'm a journalist interested in covering UNC's Commencement. Who do I need to contact?
Contact the university's News and PR team to request credentials at least two days before the ceremonies.
- Who should I contact with additional questions?
For questions about the commencement ceremony, contact University Advancement at 970-351-2551 or email events@unco.edu.
For questions about completing an undergraduate degree, contact the Registrar’s Office at 970-351-4862, option 2 or email graduation@unco.edu.
For questions about completing a graduate degree, contact the Graduate School at 970-351-1803 or email graduate.school@unco.edu.
