“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” – Angela Davis

Your final weeks at CC are here, and graduation is just around the corner! The Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 is on Sunday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m. at Ed Robson Arena. We are so excited to celebrate with you!

As you dive into your final block and all the excitement that comes with it, we want to make sure you’re set up for a seamless and memorable Commencement experience. Be sure to note the key dates below, and keep an eye on your inbox and the Commencement 2026 webpage so you don’t miss a thing.

Apply to Graduate Deadline is TOMORROW
Graduating seniors must submit their application to graduate by Friday, April 17 to walk in next month’s ceremony. Find the link in your student menu in Banner—it only takes a few minutes to opt in, provide your height for gown sizing, and confirm a few key details. While you’re at it, record your name in Canvas/NameCoach to ensure it’s pronounced correctly on the big day.

Please note: You will not be able to access guest tickets for Commencement or Baccalaureate until your application is complete. Tickets will not be available until after May 1.

Honors Convocation
Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m., Shove Memorial Chapel
Honors Convocation is our opportunity to honor outstanding students. The annual program includes departmental awards, all-college awards, and awards from the CC Student Government Association. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend, and a livestream of the ceremony will be available online.

Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 16, 3 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel
Baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition, providing an opportunity to reflect on this rite of passage, hear from Lori Driscoll ’94, Professor and Chair of Neuroscience & Psychology, and celebrate our incredible students.

Share Your Well Wishes through “Baccalaureate Blessings”
You are invited to share your well wishes and words of celebration for your fellow graduates as part of this special Colorado College tradition. Messages submitted by Monday, May 11 will be displayed on the jumbotron in Ed Robson Arena during Commencement, as well as online. Visit the website for instructions and ideas for how to submit a message.

Students and their invited guests may attend in person (two guests per student). Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email with instructions for how to access tickets to the Baccalaureate ceremony through Ticketmaster. A livestream of the ceremony will also be available online.

Departmental Receptions
Academic departments typically host receptions on the Saturday afternoon following Baccalaureate, at various locations on and off campus. Keep an eye on the Commencement website for more details and watch your inbox for an invitation directly from your department.

Sunday, May 17, 8:30 a.m., Ed Robson Arena
Doors open at 7 a.m. for general admission seating.

Post-Commencement President’s Reception
The celebration continues immediately following the ceremony! President Manya Whitaker will host a reception for all graduates and guests on Tava Quad from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The reception is organized by department—look for signage across the quad to find your spot and spend time with your favorite faculty one more time.

Commencement Ceremony Ticket Information 
Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email with instructions for how to access complimentary guest tickets for the Commencement and Baccalaureate ceremonies through Ticketmaster. Once students claim their desired number of tickets—an estimated total of seven tickets per graduate—they will transfer directly to their guests. 

Commencement Photos
GradImages will be on campus during Commencement weekend. Graduates are encouraged to register in advance at gradimages.com/registration in order to view and purchase photos more quickly after graduation.

Graduates will be able to claim one free 5×7 photo, courtesy of President Whitaker.

Livestream Option: For family, friends, and members of the campus community who are not attending in person, a livestream will be available online for Commencement, Honors Convocation, and Baccalaureate events.

Parking—Commencement attendees may park anywhere on campus (no fees or permits apply). The third level of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage is reserved for guests with limited mobility who require parking close to the venue. Accessible parking is available on all levels of the Robson Arena parking garage and in other parking lots on campus as well.  

Golf carts will be available from other parking areas across campus to transport guests to Ed Robson Arena.

Accessibility—Please see the Commencement webpage for information on accessibility and accommodations available within Ed Robson Arena. You may also contact Sara Rotunno, srotunno@coloradocollege.edu or (719) 227-8294, to discuss specific needs or request accommodations.

Clear Bag Policy—Ed Robson Arena has a clear bag policy, which will be enforced during Commencement weekend. Only clear bags and small clutch-sized purses will be allowed at entry. More details on this policy can be found on the Ed Robson Arena website. Clear bags can be purchased at the Book Store just south of the main arena entrance. (Book Store hours on Sunday, May 17: 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Additional information on parking, accessibility, venue policies, and FAQs can be found on the Commencement website.

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903