CCD Commencement Information

Ceremony

The 2012-13 Commencement Ceremony will be held at the University of Denver Magness Arena (2240 East Buchtel Blvd. – look for the gold-topped Williams Tower) on Thursday evening, May 16, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. This ceremony will include Summer 2012 and Fall 2012 graduates, and Spring 2013 graduation candidates.

Summer 2013 graduation candidates are welcome to participate in the Spring Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2013. Please note that this is not your official graduation and your name will not be printed in the commencement program.  For Spring and Summer 2013 candidates awards are made pending a final audit after grades post.

Graduates must be in Hamilton Gym in the Ritchie Center by 6:00 p.m., May 16, for line up and last-minute instructions.  Those who arrive after the processional line departs the gym, or do not have their cap and gown, will forfeit the opportunity to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

RSVP

Graduates should RSVP at www.ccd.edu/CommencementRSVP .  Please note any accommodations needed for the graduate or guests. 

Regalia  (Caps and Gowns)

The cap and gowns match our school colors of purple with a purple and gold tassel. All graduates planning to participate in commencement are required to wear the traditional cap and gown, and will not be allowed to participate without these items. Caps, gowns, and tassels must be rented in the Auraria Campus Bookstore, located in the Tivoli on the Auraria Campus. 

A representative will be available at the Auraria Bookstore upper level to assist you with your regalia rental at the following times only:

               May 13, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., and 

               May 14, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 A representative will also be available on the Lowry Campus on March 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. to take orders for caps and gowns. 

The price for the gown rental is $34.50.  Graduates will be allowed to keep their cap and tassel.  Additional tassels cost $5 each.  Gowns must be returned immediately following the Commencement Ceremony on May 16 in the Hamilton Gym, DU Ritchie Center.  A $100 fee will be assessed if the rental gown is not returned.

Rehearsal  

Mandatory rehearsal is on Thursday, May 16, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Hamilton Gym at the DU Ritchie Center.  All graduates participating in Commencement must attend.  We will determine seating order, conduct a brief run-through of the program, show you how to play your part during the ceremony and answer your questions.  Free parking for rehearsal is available at DU in lot 108.  Please enter at the north Ritchie Center Handicapped Entrance – lower level.  If you absolutely cannot make arrangements to attend rehearsal please contact Jan Masters, CCD Graduation Specialist, to explore alternatives.

Rehearsal Exit Reminder

Guests – Seating and Parking

Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.  CCD will not issue guest tickets.  Select DU parking lots will be open beginning at 5 p.m. and are free of charge for attendees.  Magness Arena will open at 5:30 p.m.  For a parking map go to http://www.parking.du.edu/documents/pdf/parking_map.pdf.

 The DU Campus Light Rail Station is served by trains E and H – see www.rtd-denver.com for route information.

Disability Provisions

Limited designated wheelchair parking space and seating for disabled guests will be available (see parking map link above).  Designated handicapped parking is available for those with handicap placards.  See map above for handicapped entrance.

Class rings and announcements

Rings are available at the bookstore through class ring representatives during planned event times. Check the bookstore website for upcoming event dates at www.aurariabooks.com.  Graduation announcements will also be available at the bookstore.

Attire 

It is important to wear the proper attire under the academic regalia. Graduates should wear professional clothes such as slacks and shirt, or skirt and blouse.  Please wear appropriate shoes as they show under the academic regalia. 

Ceremony Conduct

Graduates, please set an example for your guests. To show respect for and to honor all our graduates, we ask participants to remain in their seats throughout the entire ceremony.  Graduates will exit as a class to recessional music. Guests will exit after the recessional ends. Guests will not be allowed around the stage area during the ceremony.

For those supervising small children an open space is available at the center of the upper level behind guest seating.

Photography

A professional photographer will take photographs of you at Commencement as you walk to the stage, as you receive your diploma and as you return to your seat.  Your family and friends may take photographs of you from their seats; they will not be allowed in the stage area.  Approximately three weeks after Commencement you will receive a photo proof and a price list from the professional photographer.  You may order photographs at that time.  For more information contact GradTrak at 1-800-261-2576 or http://www.gradimages.com

Questions? 

For questions about commencement ceremony logistics (start time, location, parking), contact the Office of Admissions, Registration & Records at (303)-556-2420. 

For questions about announcements, class rings, and regalia ordering and distribution; contact the Auraria Campus Bookstore at (303)-556-4286.

The 2012 Commencement Ceremony was held at DU Magness Arena on May 10. Approximately 250 graduates participated in the ceremony.

Graduation Checklist - Verifying Eligibility, Records and Requirements