Graduates will only be checked-in once their entire party has arrived. Check-in will begin 1 hour before the ceremony begins. For the morning ceremony, we will begin check-in at 8:00 am. For the afternoon ceremony we will begin check-in at 12:00 pm. All graduates will receive additional communication regarding check-in as we get closer to the date.

Yes, parking will be available on campus. Free parking will be available at the Holly Lot for graduates and guests. As the lot fills, nearby lots will also be available. Keep in mind that both MSU and CU Denver students will still be on campus for classes, so plan your time accordingly. We highly encourage carpooling or utilizing public transit to assist with traffic flow in and out of campus.

There is no guest limit for graduates. Please identify your anticipated guest count when you RSVP to assist us in our planning. Family and friends will stay with their graduate throughout the entirety of the program.

At CCD we provide a fun and engaging nontraditional graduation ceremony! Family and friends will travel with you from check-in to crossing the stage! Your support network will have the opportunity to join you on the stage for a group photo or cheer you on from the front row. No formal speeches, no nosebleed seating, just the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments with family, friends, and your fellow City Hawks! 

Graduates are required to wear the official cap and gown. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you will be walking across the stage. Part of the event is outside under a covered tent. Please dress accordingly.

Caps and gowns will be available for pickup at the Leaving the Nest celebration on Tuesday, May 13. You can also pick up your cap and gown from the Tivoli Campus Bookstore. The final day to pick up is Tuesday, May 13. All graduates participating in Commencement must have a cap & gown. 

Bookstore Hours:

• Friday, May 9: 9am - 2:30pm
• Saturday, May 10: 9am - 4:30pm
• Monday, May 12: 9am - 7:30pm
• Tuesday, May 13: 9am - 7:30pm

For questions about this step, please contact the Student Programming, Activities, & Resource Center: 303.556.2597 | SPARC@ccd.edu

Yes! You are welcome to decorate your mortarboard to celebrate your big day! There will be an opportunity to decorate your cap at the Graduate & Alumni Celebration on Tuesday, May 13. If you choose to decorate, please ensure it is appropriate with no offensive language or images. CCD staff reserve the right to ask any graduate to remove their cap if it is deemed inappropriate.

If you are anticipating cords, stoles, or pins, please contact your student organization/honor society advisor or academic program faculty for more information. All additional regalia must be approved by the Student Programming, Activities, and Resource Center. Current registered clubs and honor societies will be invited to hand out regalia at the Graduate & Alumni Celebration on Tuesday, May 13.

Yes, a professional photographer will be capturing moments during the ceremony. You will receive information on how to purchase photos during and after the event.

Please indicate any accessibility needs when you RSVP.

For additional assistance, contact the CCD Accessibility Center: 303.556.3300 | CCD.Access@ccd.edu

No, please leave any pets at home. Only service animals are allowed at the event.

Diplomas will be mailed to the address you have on file with the College. Please ensure your address is up to date in your student portal.

For questions or assistance with this, please contact the Office of Registration & Records: 303.556.2420 | CCD.ORR@ccd.edu