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Commencement

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Registration Information

Livestream

Western 2024 Commencement Ceremony | Livestream Available Below

Livestream will be available with chapters in the coming week on YouTube

2025 Commencement |  Saturday, May 10 | 10 AM

Commencement 2025 Details

 May 10, 2025 | 10 AM | Mountaineer Bowl at The Rady Family Sports Complex

Please refrain from bringing dogs and pets to the Commencement ceremony. Service dogs welcome.

Western Colorado University is pleased to announce that Commencement will be held in the Mountaineer Bowl at The Rady Family Sports Complex. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the University Center for students, families, faculty, and staff.  

In addition to the stadium, the ceremony will be streamed live on this page. The stream will also be available in the University Center Theater.  

Since the event will be outdoors, we recommend dressing in layers and coming prepared for any weather. We also recommend you bring the following: 

  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Water bottle to refill
  • If rain is predicted, ponchos are preferred so as not to block visibility 

Immediately following the ceremony, everyone is invited to join the graduates for refreshments in the University Center.

  

Western will have shuttle vans going to the Comfort Inn, Econo Lodge, Holiday Inn, and Wingate.   

Accessible parking is available in the Dolores Parking Lot for the most direct access to the venue. Accessible seating is also available for those who need seating accommodations.

More specific maps and directions to follow.


Photos taken during commencement will be available on this page approximately three weeks after graduation.

Commencement FAQs

  • For UNDERGRADUATES:
    • The Bookstore. You can stop by the University Center or call to order. Order ASAP so you can get a size that works for you!
    • Our cap and gown colors are black. If you already have a black cap and gown, you may use the one you have.
  • For GRADUATE STUDENTS:
    • Contact Graduate Studies for regalia rental

  • No. Tickets are not needed this year, and there is no limit to the number of guests who can attend.

  • You must RSVP to the invitation sent out in the first half of the Spring semester.
  • If you missed the deadline in the email, you need to contact reg_advise@western.edu immediately.
    • Please note that if you missed the deadline, we will not prohibit you from participating in commencement if you’ve met all graduation requirements. However, you may not appear in the commencement program.

  • There will be reserved locations for accessible seating. Please park or drop off your guests at the designated areas; we will assist those needing accessible seating. 
  • Accessible seating is limited, but we will try accommodating additional guests as space and resources allow. 
  • For questions or concerns, email the Center for Disability and Accommodations at disabilityaccommodations@western.edu. 

  • Commencement is outside, rain, snow, wind, or sun! Plan for ALL types of weather.  Raincoat, blanket/parka, sunscreen, hat, etc.
  • The livestream will be on in the University Center Theater for anyone who prefers to watch from indoors for any reason.

  • Yes! Anyone will be able to watch commencement from anywhere they want.
  • The link to the live stream will be available on this page on the day of the ceremony, and a video of the live stream will be available on this webpage following.

A rehearsal will be on Friday, May 9, at 3 PM directly before the Senior Reception.

The Senior Reception will be held on Friday, May 9, from 3:30 to 5 PM, directly following the rehearsal.

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