Frequently Asked Commencement Questions
- I'm graduating. Do I need a ticket to attend commencement?
Congratulations! Graduating students will not require a ticket to attend the ceremony at which they will receive their diploma. However, your guests will need a ticket to enter the Bank of Colorado Arena.
- Do guests need a ticket to attend commencement?
All guests must have a ticket to enter the Bank of Colorado Arena. Guests must obtain a ticket directly from their graduate prior to the ceremony. Graduates will receive electronic tickets and these can be shared digitally or printed out. Tickets are valid for one entry per person.
- Are tickets required for children?
Tickets are required for all children age two and older. Children under the age of two must sit on the lap of a family member.
- I have questions about my tickets.
For questions about tickets or to report issues, please email University Events at university.events@unco.edu.
- What time should I arrive to participate in the ceremony?
Students should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony so that you can check in and line up with your peers at the Campus Recreation Center. Doors will open for guests to enter Bank of Colorado Arena 1 hour prior to the ceremony.
- I'm graduating from multiple colleges. How do I know which one I should walk with?
The choice is completely up to you. Your affiliated colleges will be prepared to assist you at whichever ceremony you choose. Students should reach out to graduation@unco.edu to confirm your ceremony choice.
- Is there a rehearsal for the ceremony?
There is no rehearsal. Graduation staff will help you line up in the right place, and faculty marshals will guide you through the ceremony. If you're nervous or curious, you may watch the recordings of previous ceremonies on the university YouTube channel!
- How do I request accommodations for the ceremony?
Contact the Disability Resource Center with any questions you may have by phone 970-351-2289 or email DRC@unco.edu.
- 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 obstruct the view of graduates seated behind you.
- Will I be ok wearing high heels?
Commencement participation involves significant walking and graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.
Stiletto heels are prohibited in the arena to protect the surfaces in UNC's athletic venues.
- How long is the ceremony?
Most ceremonies last from 1.25 to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of graduates present.
- Can I watch the ceremony from anywhere? Will there be a recording available afterward?
Yes! Ceremony livestreams will be available through the commencement livestreams webpage. Livestream links will be published prior to the ceremony. Ceremony recordings are available on university YouTube channel.
- Is there accessible seating available?
There is designated accessible seating along the entirety of the first row of bleachers in Bank of Colorado Arena.
- Where can I park?
UNC parking lots around campus are open to the public during Commencement weekend and permits are not required.
Bank of Colorado Arena: 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.
View interactive campus map.
- What can I bring to the ceremony?
While personal items such as purses, camera bags and diaper bags are allowed, all such bags are subject to search prior to entering the building. There will be separate security lines for those with bags and those without. Backpacks and balloons of any kind are not permitted inside the arena.
Bank of Colorado Arena is an official venue of UNC Athletics. Please visit the Bank of Colorado Arena Policies and Information page for additional information regarding guest conduct and prohibited items.
- Are animals allowed inside ceremony venues?
Any certified service animal is welcome anywhere on campus. Pets that are not certified service animals will not be allowed to enter the ceremony venue.
- 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 September 30, 2024 to guarantee their name appears in the printed program. Students who apply to graduate after this deadline are welcome to participate in the ceremony, but will not have their name in the printed program. We will make every effort to include graduates who apply after this deadline in the digital program, which will be made available on the commencement website.
Applications for each ceremony are available below:
- What are my options for photos?
NEW PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Photo backdrops will be set up in the Campus Commons to give you the opportunity to capture your memories and celebrate your success! View more info and specific hours here.
During the ceremony, 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.
- What does the graduation fee cover?
The graduation fee covers the cost of processing and posting a student’s degree, diploma printing and shipping, certificate printing and shipping, and all costs associated with producing commencement ceremonies. 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 and guest tickets, contact University Events at 970-351-2331 or email university.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.
