Plans for Spring 2020 Commencement

April 8, 2020 @ 12:40 p.m.

Dear CU Denver Community,

I’m writing today to share some important and exciting news about our plans to honor and celebrate our spring class of 2020 graduates. When I announced the disappointing news in March that our May commencement could not take place as planned, we asked our faculty, students, schools, and colleges to get creative. And WOW, the responses were amazing!

Inspiring ideas came from across the campus. They demonstrate the unique CU Denver spirit I’ve come to cherish. I’m delighted to report that a menu of options will be provided to our graduating class. And, our graduates can take part in as many of them as they wish. 

1. To assure they don’t miss those treasured photo ops, graduates will be able to rent commencement regalia, with complimentary shipping to and from their homes, in May.
   
2. For the first time in our university history, graduates can attend a virtual commencement ceremony online on May 16. You’ll soon hear about many special features, including personalized recognition of each graduate and the conferring of degrees and reading of the Norlin Charge virtually. 
   
3. Graduates can also choose to participate in person at a commencement ceremony exclusively for the spring 2020 class on Friday evening, December 11, at the Colorado Convention Center. 
   
4. Another choice is that graduates may walk in any future commencement ceremony that works for them.

Diploma covers and programs will be mailed to virtual graduation participants. Spring 2020 graduates should receive an email later today from commencement@ucdenver.edu with additional details about each of the options.
Graduates may also visit the commencement website for further information.

I’m very pleased we’ll have multiple ways to ensure the time-honored tradition of a CU Denver commencement ceremony for our spring 2020 graduates. They are responding courageously to the current circumstances, and navigating the uncertainty we face with grit and determination. In the best of times, earning a college degree is impressive. In these challenging times, reaching the goal of graduation is monumental.

Here’s to the Class of 2020–we can’t wait to celebrate each of you!

Dorothy Horrell
Chancellor