FAQs for Guests
How do we get there?
- Start on I-25 (See campus map)
- Take the University Ave. exit (Exit 205)
-
Turn south on University Ave.
-
Turn right (west) on Buchtel Blvd.
-
Turn left to reach the Ritchie Center.
- Signs will direct you to free parking.
You can also take RTD light rail. Take line E, F or H (PDF) and exit at the University of Denver stop.
For more information, see Directions and Maps.
What time does the ceremony begin?
- The Sturm College of Law Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17.
- The Graduate Ceremony begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 6.
- The Undergraduate Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7.
Where can we park?
Free parking will be available on campus, but space will be limited. Signs will direct you to the nearest available lot. During the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, free shuttles will run between the Ritchie Center and large outlying lots. See Parking for details.
For information about disabled-accessible parking, see Disability Access and Accommodations.
Do we need tickets to attend?
Tickets are only required for the Undergraduate Ceremony. Graduating students were required to request tickets for their guests online by March 14.
For the Law and Graduate ceremonies, seating for guests is not reserved and will be on a first-come, first–served basis.
Do we need to arrive early for the ceremony?
Yes, all members of the audience should be seated 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. The processional march will begin 20 minutes before the ceremony, and no seating will take place during the procession.
How long is Commencement?
The ceremony will last approximately two hours.
Can we videotape the ceremony or take photographs?
In order to preserve the proper decorum of Commencement, and in order to comply with safety regulations, members of the audience are asked to refrain from taking photographs or videotaping from the aisles.
A professional photographer will be present to take photographs of the graduates as they receive their diplomas. Proofs of the photos will be sent to graduates within two weeks of the ceremony, along with instructions for ordering copies.
A professional videographer will videotape the entire ceremony. Graduates can order copies of the video either when they purchase their cap and gown or immediately after the ceremony.
When can we take pictures with the graduate?
Graduates are asked to return their caps and gowns immediately after the ceremony, before they go outside for the reception. If you'd like family pictures with your graduate in a cap and gown, you'll need to take them before the ceremony starts.
Can we watch the ceremonies online?
Yes. Each ceremony will be Webcast live. On the day of each ceremony, there will be a link to the live streaming video from the Commencement home page.
After Commencement, you'll be able to watch video of the ceremonies on demand. The on-demand video will be available within a week of each ceremony.
Is there a reception after Commencement?
Yes, there will be receptions following the ceremonies. The receptions will be held outside of the Ritchie Center.
Some academic departments also host their own receptions. See the events page or check with the graduate's department for information about other activities or receptions.
How can we find a hotel?
Please see our list of recommended hotels near campus.
If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact Claire Brownell at 303-871-4876 or cbrownel@du.edu.