×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog

Dear ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Community,

Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments on our university calendar. It is a powerful expression of Bronco pride, achievement, and possibility, and it belongs to every graduate, family member, faculty member, staff member, and friend who helped make that achievement possible. Because Commencement is deeply rooted in tradition and emotion, changes to the ceremonies require thoughtful consideration and care.

Each year, the University engages in thoughtful planning and feedback sessions to prepare for commencement.  After careful review and consultation, we are making several changes to the 2027 Commencement ceremonies. The changes respond to important concerns regarding weather, student schedules, ceremony length, and the safety and experience of our graduates and their guests. As part of the consultation process, proposed changes to the final examination schedule were presented to the Academic Senate for approval. The plan was also presented to the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Board of Directors. This letter serves as the official campus communication regarding the updated Commencement schedule.

Why Changes are Needed

At times, final examinations have been scheduled on the Friday of Commencement or even on the same day as a student’s ceremony. As a result, graduates have had to choose between fulfilling their academic responsibilities and fully celebrating their achievement with family and friends. We also listened directly to our students. In our survey, their strongest request was to be recognized individually by name as they cross the Commencement stage. Students also asked for shorter ceremonies. Their message was clear: Commencement should remain a meaningful and joyful celebration while ensuring that every graduate receives personal recognition and that the ceremonies respect everyone’s time, health, and well-being.

Weather conditions have also become an important consideration. Rain and high temperatures can create significant challenges for outdoor ceremonies and may affect the comfort, health, and safety of graduates, guests, faculty, and staff. A more sustainable Commencement schedule will allow us to respond responsibly to weather conditions while preserving the dignity and quality of the ceremonies.

A successful Commencement experience also depends on the dedicated employees who plan, coordinate, and deliver every ceremony. Commencement is scheduled over three days, and ceremonies during the weekend require staff shifts of up to 13 hours, requiring employees to work outside their regular assignments because weekend service is not part of their standard schedules. In prior years, CPP held Commencement ceremonies on weekdays, consistent with the practice of most CSU campuses. Returning to a weekday schedule will better align Commencement responsibilities with regular work schedules, strengthen our ability to staff and sustain the ceremonies, and help ensure that graduates and their families receive the well-organized, welcoming, and celebratory experience they deserve.

Changes for 2027 Commencement

Beginning with the 2027 Commencement ceremonies, ceremonies will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

The total number of ceremonies will be reduced from 12 to 10, allowing us to create shorter ceremonies while preserving individual recognition for every graduate. The College of Science will hold one ceremony instead of two, and the Collins College of Hospitality Management and the Huntley College of Agriculture will participate in one combined ceremony.

We will also update the color of Commencement regalia to ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog green, creating a more unified and recognizable expression of Bronco pride. We understand that some students purchase regalia from sources other than the University. To support our graduates, we will provide the exact color specifications so students can purchase the appropriate regalia online. The University will also make a limited number of regalia sets available for students to borrow during the ceremonies and will expand the lending program over time so that cost does not prevent any graduate from participating fully in Commencement. Additional information and resources are available on the Commencement FAQs page.

We are pleased to confirm that student processions will remain part of our Commencement ceremonies. However, the health and safety of our graduates, guests, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. If temperatures reach or exceed 90 degrees, or if conditions pose a health risk, we will carefully reevaluate the circumstances and make a final determination on the morning of each ceremony regarding whether the procession can safely proceed.

We recognize that an initial allocation of six guest tickets per graduate may not meet every family’s needs, and we understand how important it is for graduates to celebrate with the people who supported them. The ticketing process will remain consistent with prior Commencement ceremonies: each graduate will receive an initial allotment and may request additional tickets through the established process. As unclaimed tickets become available, they will be redistributed to students who have requested additional guest access. Based on our experience with previous ceremonies, we anticipate that many graduates will receive additional tickets. Our goal is to expand attendance as much as possible while distributing tickets fairly and ensuring that every graduate has the opportunity to share this important milestone with family and friends.

Commencement will continue to honor the achievements of our students and the support of the faculty, staff, families, and communities who make their success possible. Together, we will preserve the spirit of this cherished tradition while strengthening the experience for every graduate and guest.

Thank you for your understanding, partnership, and continued commitment to our students. I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2027 with our entire community and honoring each graduate as they begin the next chapter of their journey.

With Bronco Pride,

Vanya Quiñones, Ph.D.
President