Frequently Asked Questions for Graduates

• How do I register for graduation?

  Students may register beginning on Monday, July 1. Please click here to register.  The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 24. 

• How do I order my regalia?

  Eligible graduates may now order regalia through the DU Bookstore.  Please click here to place your order. Orders may be picked up at the DU Bookstore beginning July 15. 

• How and when will I receive my guest tickets?

  Upon registering to participate in the Summer Commencement Ceremony, each graduate will automatically be allocated 10 tickets to distribute to guests.

  The week of August 19, graduates will receive an email with 10 mobile tickets.  To distribute those 10 mobile tickets to their guests, graduates will need to log in to the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal to transfer them.  Recipients of the mobile tickets will accept the tickets via the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal.

  All tickets will be distributed directly to graduates.  Graduates themselves do not need a ticket.

  We encourage graduates who need additional tickets to coordinate with other graduates who will not use their full allotment. 

• Where should I park?

  Parking around the Ritchie Center will be open and available to graduates and their guests.  Parking for commencement is complimentary. 

• What should I wear? What should I bring with me?

  Please wear your academic regalia and bring your ID to the Ritchie Center.  Please do not bring bags or purses; there is no place to store items during the ceremonies.   

  • Graduates must wear proper and complete academic regalia.
  • Graduates are permitted to wear accessories including cords, pins, sashes, stoles, and/or tassels that have been awarded by their academic unit or student organization. These accessories designate achievement, leadership, membership, or service.
  • Graduates are not permitted to carry or display flags. 
  • Graduates are permitted to decorate their mortarboards.

   

• Are there any security protocols for graduates?

  All graduates will enter the Ritchie Center through security stations with magnetometers.  Graduates’ robes must be unzipped while proceeding through security.  Security will check robe sleeves and graduate hoods.   

• Are there any prohibited items?

  Items prohibited at the Ritchie Center include:

  • Animals (service animals permitted)
  • Artificial noisemakers: air horns, cow bells, whistles, vuvuzelas, etc.
  • Balloons, balls, confetti, frisbees, and other projectiles
  • Candles or open flames
  • Derogatory/defamatory clothing or signage
  • Firearms, weapons, and dangerous devices
  • Flags
  • Flash photography, video cameras, recording devices, cameras with detachable lenses
  • Fireworks
  • Hard-shell coolers, containers, thermoses (to include hydroflasks and metal water bottles)
  • Illegal drugs or alcohol
  • Inflatable objects: beach balls, latex ballons, “clappers”, etc.
  • Laser pointers or other disturbing items
  • Outside food and beverages, including empty or full plastic bottles, glass bottles, and cans
  • Posters, signs, oversized signs, or banners, to include any signage with a stick or pole attached
  • Other items deemed prohibited by Ritchie Center and Event Staff
• How do I request accessibility support and/or accommodation?

  Please be in touch with Student Disability Services at (303) 871-3241 or sds@du.edu.

• What time should I arrive, and where do I need to go once I arrive at the Ritchie Center?

  Please arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.  Graduates must enter the building through Hamilton Gymnasium, at the northwest doors adjacent to the Barton Lacrosse Field.  

• How long will the commencement ceremony last?

  The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.  A University Reception, with light food and beverages, will be held outside of the Ritchie Center following the ceremony.

• We are going out for a celebratory lunch after the Ceremony. What time should we make lunch reservations?

  We recommend a lunch reservation at 1:00 p.m. 

  After the Ceremony ends graduates and their guests can have time to take photos, enjoy the University Reception, and then travel away from campus for lunch.  There will be a great deal of pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the Ritchie Center, so please give yourself enough time. 

• How can I order a class ring, graduation announcements, a diploma frame, etc.?

  Please visit the DU Bookstore here.

• How and when will I receive my commencement photos?

  A professional photography team will capture two photos of all graduates, both a formal portrait and a photo of the graduate walking across the stage.  Proofs will be emailed to graduates approximately one month after commencement. 

• When will I receive my diploma?

  Doctoral students will receive their diplomas at the graduation ceremony.  The Office of the Registrar will mail diplomas for Masters and Bachelors students in late-summer.  Please be sure that your preferred address is updated with DU. 

• Is there anything else I should know?

  We are so proud of our graduates and delight in their accomplishments.  We hope that graduates and their guests have a wonderful time celebrating together on campus.  Please contact us if you have other concerns or questions, or if we may be of further assistance.  Congratulations to the Class of 2024!