2026 Graduate Information
Class of 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl
You did it! Congratulations, ThunderWolves!
GO PACK!
Commencement Ceremony Duration & Etiquette
Each ceremony is expected to last approximately two and a half hours. Graduates will not be able to exit the ceremony early and must remain seated for the duration of the program. Out of respect for all graduates in attendance, we kindly ask that guests remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony.
Important Information for Graduates
Review these key details before Commencement Day. Each card covers important steps and deadlines for graduates.
📝 Apply for Graduation
Submit your electronic graduation contract from PAWS to your advisor for approval.
Deadline: February 13, 2026
🎓 Grad Fair
Attend the grad fair for regalia questions, reserving the graduate seat & claiming guest tickets, and important information. Graduates must order official CSU Pueblo regalia (cap, gown, and tassel) through the Bookstore.
Date & Time: March 18 & 19, 2026 from 8am-5pm
Location: OSC Lobby
📦 Packet Pickup
Mandatory for all graduates. Pick up your packet for pre-arrival information, academic cords, regalia, and details.
Date & Time: May 14, 2026 from 11am-6pm or May 15, 2026 from 9am-7pm
Location: OSC Lobby
⏰ Graduate Check-In
Arrive early to prepare for lineup.
Check-in: NO LATER than 6:30 AM at ThunderBowl Stadium
📅 Commencement Day
Celebrate your achievement at the CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl!
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Ceremony Begins: 8:30 AM
📸 Commencement Photos & Media
Professional photos will be taken during the ceremony. Photos can be ordered from Grad Foto. Proofs will be sent to your email and phone number provided on your card at Commencement.
Questions about photos? Contact Craig Ruiz at craigruiz@gradfoto.llc or call 405-364-1779.
🔔 Please check this page regularly for the latest updates or weather-related announcements.
Honors Levels & Requirements
There are three levels of University (baccalaureate degree only) scholastic honors at graduation: summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. A minimum of 60 semester credits for all catalogs must be earned at CSU Pueblo for a student to be considered for these honors. Remedial courses, credit within Academic Renewal, and credit by examination cannot be included in the required 60 semester credits.
Summa Cum Laude
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.900 is required.
Magna Cum Laude
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.750 is required.
Cum Laude
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.500 is required.
Honors will be announced at the commencement ceremony for those who may reasonably anticipate them; however, this is not a guarantee of receiving honors. The reading of cum laude status for degree candidates is based on the grade point averages achieved at the beginning of the student’s final term. The official honor awarded, based on the final grade point average and hours earned in residence, will be noted on the student’s diploma and transcript.
Regalia & Cords
Your regalia represents your academic accomplishments and your pride as a CSU Pueblo graduate. Please review the information below to ensure you're fully prepared for Commencement.
🎓 Official Regalia
All graduates must wear the official CSU Pueblo cap, gown, and tassel. Regalia must be ordered in advance through the CSU Pueblo Bookstore.
Academic hoods are required for master’s and doctoral graduates.
More information coming soon.
🎗️ Stoles & Organization Regalia
Graduates may wear approved stoles or cords representing student organizations, cultural groups, or academic programs. All regalia must be appropriate and approved by the university.
💫 Alumni Legacy Cord
The CSU Pueblo Alumni Association celebrates legacy families. If your parent or grandparent attended CSU Pueblo, USC, SCSC, SCJC, or PJC, you are eligible to receive a Legacy Cord to wear proudly during Commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Please check back soon for details on how to reserve your cord.
✨ Cap Decorating Guidelines
Graduates are encouraged to personalize their caps with messages of pride or gratitude. Decorations must be respectful, and securely attached. No lights, noise-makers, or tall objects are allowed for safety reasons.
🎓 Master’s & Doctoral Hood
Graduate students wear hoods representing their discipline and degree level. Faculty marshals will assist with proper hooding during the ceremony lineup.
There will be a reheasal for all doctoral, masters or 3+2 graduates. More information coming soon.
📍 Bookstore Information
Location: Occhiato Student Center (OSC)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (719) 549-2146
Visit Bookstore Website
Arrival & Ceremony Details
Review the details below to ensure you arrive prepared and on time for the Commencement Ceremony. Gates open early, and graduates should allow time for parking, check-in, and lineup.
⏰ Arrival Time
Graduates should arrive at the ART Facility no later than 6:00 AM. Gates open for guests at 6:30 AM. Plan to allow extra time for parking and check-in.
🚗 Parking Information
Free parking is available in all lots on top of campus for guests. ADA-accessible parking & graduate parking is located on the west side of the ThunderBowl. Follow directional signage and staff instructions.
🎥 A parking directions video will be available soon.
🎓 Graduate Staging
Check in at the north side of ART Facility upon arrival. Bring your necessary items from Packet Pickup. Staff will direct you to your lineup area.
📋 Lineup Instructions
Staff will assist graduates with lineup order. Graduates must remain in line once positioned. The processional begins promptly at 8:00 AM.
⏱️ Ceremony Duration
The ceremony typically lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. Graduates and guests are expected to remain seated until the closing of the ceremony.
☀️ Weather & Comfort
The ceremony will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire under your gown. Sunscreen and hydration are encouraged.
🏟️ Please follow signs and staff directions upon arrival to ensure a smooth and safe ceremony experience.
After the Ceremony
Congratulations, graduates! 🎉 Here’s what to expect following the ceremony and how to stay connected to CSU Pueblo.
✉️ Diploma Mailing
Diplomas are mailed approximately 10-12 weeks after the ceremony. Verify your mailing address through the Registrar’s Office before graduation day.
📸 Graduation Photos
Professional photographers from Grad Foto will capture each graduate crossing the stage. Links to view and order photos will be emailed to your student email within two weeks.
🐺 CSU Pueblo Alumni Association
Stay connected with fellow ThunderWolves through alumni events, mentorship, and news. Visit the Alumni Association website to join and update your contact info.
📜 Transcript Requests
Official transcripts showing degree completion can be ordered through Parchment Transcript Services.
🎊 Celebrate Responsibly
Confetti poppers, air horns, and alcohol are not permitted inside the stadium. Please keep aisles clear and celebrate respectfully with fellow graduates and families.
🎊 After Party on Campus
More information coming soon.
Graduates — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for graduation?
Submit your electronic graduation contract from PAWS to your advisor for approval by February 13, 2026. Late applications may delay your name appearing in the Commencement Program.
Do I need tickets for my guests?
Yes, tickets are required. There is a maximum of 10 guests per graduate. Seating is first-come, first-served.
What happens if it rains?
Commencement is held rain or shine. Please plan for weather conditions and bring appropriate outerwear, such as ponchos or umbrellas.
How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on the number of graduates.
How will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed to the address on your student record about 10-12 weeks after the ceremony. Make sure your mailing address is current before graduation day.
Will my name appear in the Commencement Program?
Yes, if you register for your spot at Grad Fair on March 18 or 19, 2026. Students who apply late or have FERPA privacy holds will not be listed.
How can I order the photos taken when I received my diploma?
You should have received an email or text message from Graduation Foto. If you didn’t, contact CraigRuiz@gradfoto.com or call 405-364-1779.
What items are prohibited at graduation?
The campus is smoke-free and vape-free (no smoking or vaping allowed). All guests and graduates are subject to search upon entry. Animals are not permitted unless they are certified service animals.
How do we get academic honor cords?
Undergraduate students with summa cum laude (minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.900), magna cum laude (minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.750 is required), and cum laude (minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 is required). A minimum of 60 semester credits for all catalogs must be earned at CSU Pueblo for a student to be considered for these honors. Remedial courses, credit within Academic Renewal, and credit by examination cannot be included in the required 60 semester credits.
Honors will be announced at the commencement ceremony for those who may reasonably anticipate them; however, this is not a guarantee of receiving honors. The reading of cum laude status for degree candidates is based on the grade point averages achieved at the beginning of the student’s final term. The official honor awarded, based on the final grade point average and hours earned in residence, will be noted on the student’s diploma and transcript.
Will there be a Summer 2026 or Fall 2025 ceremony?
Summer 2026 and December 2025 graduates are invited to participate in the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony.
