Commencement

Students watch with their graduation caps the speaker.

Commencement 2026 Details

May 9, 2026 | 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.

General parking will be available in all campus lots, the closest being the Paul Wright Gym, University Center, and Leslie J. Savage Library parking lots.

Accessible parking will also be available in the Dolores Parking Lot, which provides the most direct path to the venue. Accessible seating for those who require accommodations will also be available.

Map & Directions

Show off your best moments and wildest memories! Upload your favorite pics from your time here at Western to show up on the jumbotron during Friday’s Senior Reception and before Commencement on Saturday.

Submit Here

Before Commencement FAQs

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.

To help ensure an inclusive and accessible Commencement celebration, we encourage students and their guests to submit any ADA accommodation requests as early as possible. Early notice allows us adequate time to review requests and coordinate appropriate arrangements.

If ASL interpretation is needed, requests must be submitted no later than March 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to allow sufficient time to secure interpreters for the ceremony.

All ADA accommodation requests will be reviewed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations that support full participation.

For specific accessibility questions or concerns, please contact the Center for Disability and Accommodations via email at disabilityaccommodations@western.edu, by phone at 970-943-2113, or by visiting the Leslie J. Savage Library, Room 121 A.

Accessibility Request Form

2025 Commencement Photographs

Brad Baca, Dan Gibbs and Shelby smile before the 2025 Commencement.

970.943.2114

president@western.edu

Western Colorado University
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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2025 Commencement Photos

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Family Reception

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