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No need to stress, grads! Here is the ultimate 2026 commencement guide to help you live in the moment and celebrate your graduation at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder.Ìý

The weeks leading up to graduation are packed with fun events, cherished Buff traditions and countless opportunities to celebrate your accomplishments before the big day on May 2.Ìý

As you savor your final moments as a student and prepare to step into your new role as a Forever Buff, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of commencement.Ìý

Grad BashÌý

Kick off the celebration at Grad Bash on the Koenig Alumni Center lawn on Friday, April 24, 4–7 p.m.! Join your fellow graduates for a day packed with live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and exciting prizes. Celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and savor your final week as a Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder student alongside fellow Buffs.Ìý

Grad DaysÌý

Don’t miss out on Grad Days April 20–24. Mark your calendar for a week of celebration!Ìý

• Cap decorating at the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBookstore: April 20–24 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m.ÌýÌý

• Campus photo opportunities at various campus locations: April 20–23 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.Ìý

• Grad Fair at the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom: April 20 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.Ìý

• Grab and go doughnuts at the Engineering Center Herbst Plaza: April 20 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.Ìý

• Career Services Farewell Bash at Center for Community, room S440: April 21 | 12:30–3:30 p.m.Ìý

• Late Night Breakfast at the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom: April 22 | 7–9 p.m.Ìý

• Senior Sunset at Chautauqua Dining Hall: April 22 | 7–10 p.m.Ìý

• Grad Bash at Koenig Alumni Center: April 24 | 4–7 p.m.Ìý

Don’t miss all the exciting opportunities Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder has in store to celebrate soon-to-be Forever Buffs.Ìý

Academic recognition ceremoniesÌý

In addition to the main commencement ceremony, Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØcolleges, schools, departments and programs host smaller recognition ceremonies. These intimate events allow students to celebrate their achievements alongside peers, faculty and loved ones.Ìý

Cultural and affinity commencement celebrationsÌý

Many campus organizations host cultural and affinity celebrations each May to honor graduates’ personal and academic achievements. These events offer meaningful spaces to celebrate your journey and connect with communities that have shaped your Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder experience.Ìý

• Asian American and Pacific Islander BBQÌý

• Black GraduationÌý

• First-Generation Graduate CelebrationÌý

• Golden Buffalo Marching Band GraduationÌý

• Latinx GraduationÌý

• Lavender GraduationÌý

• Military Honor Cord CeremonyÌý

• Native and Indigenous GraduationÌý

Graduation regaliaÌý

Join generations of Buffs in wearing traditional graduation attire. Check out the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBookstore and make sure you’re ready to walk the stage in style.Ìý

• Stoles: Sash-like garments highlighting your affiliations, achievements or college or school representation. Many graduates purchase degree stoles at the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBook Store to wear on graduation day.Ìý

• Cords: Rope-like strands worn around the neck, each color combination representing a specific achievement.ÌýÌý

Confirm your cords and stoles with your department or student organizations and wear them proudly!ÌýÌý

Senior Class GiftÌý