During this extraordinary time, we are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment, resulting in some very difficult decisions.

Philip P. Distefano, Chancellor of the University of Colorado Boulder. (Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)

As with many institutions across the country, it is with great regret that we are announcing the cancellation of our in-person commencement on May 7, as well as all college, school and department-based recognition ceremonies, due to COVID-19.

You are likely aware of the unprecedented federal and state government restrictions on large public gatherings announced this week. With this in mind, and given the early date of our ceremonies this year and the uncertainty of travel restrictions for the families of our large population of out-of-state and international students, we have decided to announce the cancellation today. Most importantly, we want to do everything we can to ensure that all of our students, faculty, staff and their families remain safe and healthy.

In collaboration with the leadership of our colleges and schools, we are exploring virtual options that will enable our community to celebrate the latest class of CU Boulder graduates remotely, and we will follow up with more information and details as these plans develop. In the meantime, we encourage all students eligible to graduate this semester to apply for graduation via the Office of the Registrar by no later than April 30, 2020.

We deeply regret the cancellation of our in-person celebration of our graduates and their achievements, and we thank you once again for your understanding, patience and citizenship during this challenging time that requires all of us to apply flexibility and creativity in a variety of new ways as a community.

Please stay current on all campus updates at colorado.edu/coronavirus.

Philip DiStefano

Chancellor