How long is the ceremony?
Although the ceremony length will vary from year to year, the fall ceremony usually lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How will my name be announced at commencement?
When you enter the Intramural Gym, you will receive a name card. Do not lose this card! You will give the name card to the announcer before you walk across the stage. The announcer will read the information listed on your name card as you begin walking across the platform.
What is the address of Moby Arena?
Moby Arena is located on the northeast corner of Shields Street and Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins Colorado. The physical address is: 951 Plum St, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
Where can I park?
Review the interactive parking map for parking, road closure and rideshare drop off locations. Space in each lot is not guaranteed; please allow for sufficient time to arrive at your destination. Please see the Transfort routes page for information about taking transit to campus.
How soon can my guests enter Moby Arena for the Graduate School ceremony?
Guests for the Graduate School Ceremony will be allowed into Moby Arena 1 hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
Which students are hooded?
Only doctoral students are hooded. Their doctoral advisor will sit with them and perform the hooding during the ceremony.
When do Master’s students put on their hoods?
Master’s students wear their hood throughout the ceremony with the rest of their regalia.
Do Master’s students sit with their advisors?
Master’s advisors do not accompany their students into the ceremony. They may sit in the faculty section on the side of the platform.
What can I do if my doctoral advisor isn’t available to hood me?
If your advisor isn’t able to attend, you may work with your advisor to invite another CSU faculty member to the ceremony.
May I walk in the ceremony even though I won’t graduate until next semester?
Yes, you are welcome to participate in this celebration.
Will diplomas be handed out at the ceremony?
Diploma covers are handed out at the ceremony. The actual diploma will be mailed by the Registrar’s Office to the address that you have listed on your RamWeb account about 6-8 weeks after the last day of classes of the semester that you completed your degree requirements.
How will I know where to line up in the intramural gym?
Signs will be posted listing each college and the type of degree, please line up near the posted signs.
Can I leave my personal belongings in the intramural gym during the ceremony?
Please leave any belongings in your car or give them to family members/friends to hold onto for you during the ceremony. No one will be in the gym to monitor these items.
As a graduating student, will I receive an invitation to commencement?
No invitations are sent. All graduating students are welcome to attend.
Do I need to RSVP or register for commencement?
No RSVP or registration is necessary.
Is there Wheelchair/Limited Mobility and Sign Language Seating?
Wheelchair pads are available at the west end of the arena. Those with limited mobility should sit in the first two rows of the concourse level. Sign language interpreters will be present; those needing sign interpretation should sit on the south concourse in Section P. Ushers will be present to provide assistance.
What color are the caps and robes?
All caps and robes are black at the CSU graduate ceremony.
What color are the hoods?
The colors of the hoods vary with the degree that you are earning. The regalia provider has the full information and will get you the correct hood.
Where may I drop off guests to give them the shortest walk?
For the shortest walk, drop people off at the north ramp of Moby Arena.
What is the water bottle policy at Moby?
The policy for water bottles is located on the University Commencement Website.
What is the clear bag policy and what are the guest conduct restrictions?
Colorado State University announced the implementation of a clear bag policy in 2017 to enhance event security procedures for all events at Moby Arena. The purpose of the clear bag policy is to provide a safer environment for the public and expedite patron entry into Moby Arena. This policy aligns itself with the safety trends of professional and collegiate arenas and stadiums nationwide. This new policy limits and restricts the sizes and types of bags that are permitted into Moby Arena during events.
All points of entry will be included under the new policy. There are no provisions to check items at each entry. Instead, patrons will be asked to either take prohibited items back to their car, or dispose of prohibited items at their respective entrance.
View the Guest Conduct Restrictions.
Are strollers allowed in Moby?
No. Strollers are not allowed per the clear bag policy for all events at Moby Arena.
Where can I find photos from the commencement ceremony?
GradImages will be the onsite photographer. You can review photos for purchase online the week after commencement. Or, if you would like to receive an email when your graduate’s photos are available, please preregister. You may also visit the website in advance and enter your email for a discount coupon.
The Graduate School will also post photos from the ceremony on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.