Winter Commencement is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those students who complete their undergraduate studies prior to the May Commencement ceremony.

Speaker

Dr. Neena Grover, Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry and RNA Biochemist, will deliver the Winter Commencement Address.

Important Information for Graduates

Cap and Gown Pickup

Graduates, please note that this is an official ceremony that requires regalia. Please pick up your cap and gown from the Colorado College Bookstore on Thursday, Dec. 11, or Friday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Please note: Any graduate who has not picked up a cap and gown will not be allowed to march in Sunday’s Commencement ceremony.

Mandatory Rehearsal

Graduates must attend a mandatory rehearsal immediately before the ceremony. Please arrive at Shove Memorial Chapel by noon on Sunday. Dec. 14, to walk through the ceremony. We ask that you please be prompt so we can efficiently address last-minute details and confirm name pronunciations (look for an email from NameCoach for instructions on how to record your name, and contact Belinda Barrientos at bbarrientos@coloradocollege.edu with questions). Once the rehearsal concludes at 12:30 p.m., doors will open for guests.

Photographs

Prior to Sunday’s rehearsal, from 11 a.m.-noon at Shove Memorial Chapel, a professional photographer will be onsite to take individual photos of graduates in their caps and gowns. Graduates are welcome to bring guests to have group pictures taken as well. These photos will be available approximately two weeks after the event online at Grad Images.

Graduate Highlights

As part of her remarks at Winter Commencement, President Manya Whitaker would like to highlight some of the achievements and involvement represented among this outstanding group of graduates. Please email Caryn Lawler, Director of Institutional Communications, at clawler@coloradocollege.edu by Thursday, Dec. 6, with a brief highlight you would like featured (such as athletic or club involvement, study abroad experience, community service, a unique research project or internship, or post-graduation plans).

Information for International Students and Families

We know how meaningful it can be for families of international students to attend Commencement celebrations. Family members who wish to visit the U.S. may need to apply for a tourist visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Per U.S. Department of State Guidelines, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) does not provide documentation for tourist visa applications. 

If you wish to provide your family with a formal letter of invitation, ISSS has a template available for use. Proof of your enrollment or graduation from Colorado College can be requested through the Office of the Registrar. Students are always welcome to contact the ISSS team at isss@coloradocollege.edu with additional questions. 
 

Important Information for Guests

In-Person Attendance and Livestream Options

Families, friends, and supporters of graduate are welcome to attend the Winter Commencement ceremony—no tickets or registration are required. Unable to be there in person? The ceremony will be livestreamed at coloradocollege.edu/live, and a recording will be published to the Winter Commencement website.

Parking

The third and fourth floors of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage will be available exclusively for Winter Commencement guests on the day of the event. Guests with disabilities or mobility challenges may park on the first floor of the Ed Robson Arena garage or use the drop-off only horseshoe driveway in front of Shove Memorial Chapel on Nevada Ave. Street parking along Nevada and Cache La Poudre is also open and free.

Accessibility

The third and fourth floors of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage will be available exclusively for Winter Commencement guests on the day of the event. Guests with disabilities or mobility challenges may park on the first floor of the Ed Robson Arena garage or use the drop-off only horseshoe driveway in front of Shove Memorial Chapel on Nevada Ave. Street parking along Nevada and Cache La Poudre is also open and free.

When should guests arrive for the ceremony?

Doors to Shove Memorial Chapel will open at 12:30 p.m. Please plan to arrive close to that time to give yourself time to park, enter the venue, and be seated. The event will begin promptly at 1 p.m.

What should guests wear to Winter Commencement?

While regalia is required for graduates walking in the ceremony, there is no specific dress code for guests of the event. It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast this time of year and dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around campus and navigating safely.

Celebrating at Altitude

Colorado Springs sits at over 6,000 feet in elevation—be sure to drink plenty of water and pace yourself if you are traveling from a lower elevation! Check out these tips to prevent altitude sickness.

Other Campus Policies

No Smoking

Colorado College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking of any substance, which includes the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping, is prohibited on campus.

No Weapons

The possession or use of any weapon—including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, pellet guns, air guns, paintball guns, stun guns, tasers, smoke devices, bows/arrows, swords, large knives (defined as a knife with a 3.5-inch blade or longer), explosives, and fireworks—is prohibited on College property because of the potential for personal injury, theft, unauthorized use of such items, and disruptive impact on the College community.

Freedom of Expression

At Colorado College, we understand that freedom of thought and expression are essential to any institution of higher learning and are vital components of academic freedom. Review CC's Freedom of Expression policy.