Class of 2021: In-Person Commencement Plans Announced

Dear DU Class of 2021, 

I know you have been anxiously awaiting a decision regarding Commencement plans for your class. Thank you for your patience. I am pleased to share with you that the University will host in-person Commencement ceremonies in June. 

In planning for spring in-person ceremonies, we consulted with many people to ensure our events meet safety protocols and guidelines. To capture the pride and joy we feel as a community—and especially to celebrate you, our graduates, in person—we made several alterations to craft a safe and enjoyable modified commencement experience for you and your guests. The plans described below were guided by state and local orders. Of course, the overall health and well-being of our community remained at the forefront of all conversations and decisions.

Rather than our usual, large commencement ceremonies, we will offer multiple smaller ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2021. Hosting a series of smaller events will allow us to seat graduates, families and staff and still remain within the COVID-19 safety guidelines in place for Magness Arena.

In-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 will be held on:

 *Additional details are available through the registration links below or on the Commencement website. 

Sturm College of Law students (JD and master’s) will receive a separate communication directly from the college with information about Sturm’s Commencement schedule.

If you wish to attend a commencement ceremony, you are required to register no later than Friday, April 23, at 5 p.m. MT. Please use the next few days to talk to your family and friends about which date and time will work best and then register below when ready.

If you register, you will automatically be allocated four tickets to distribute to your loved ones via email the week of Commencement. Unfortunately, additional tickets are not available in order to comply with our COVID-19 protocols. Live streaming with captioning will be available for family and friends who cannot attend in person. Tickets will be emailed to graduates the week of commencement. 

Face coverings will be required while on campus and inside Magness Arena. Students who have been on campus this spring and employees will be required to have return-to-campus clearance (visit “campus access status” on the homepage of PioneerWeb). Guests and students who have not been on campus during the spring term will be asked to complete a visitor survey prior to arriving on campus. 

You can order academic regalia via the bookstore. Plan to place your order as soon as possible. Regalia will be available for pick up at the DU Bookstore beginning on May 3.

Earning a degree is no small feat, and we are so glad that we can recognize and celebrate you and your achievements in person again. My thanks to the faculty and staff who have worked so hard to create a safe way to celebrate this milestone for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor