For the first time in history, graduating CMU students will have the option to participate in a December Commencement ceremony.
The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 16 at the University Center Ballroom. Students who complete all graduation requirements by the end of the fall semester are eligible to participate.
“Students don’t have to wait until May to graduate anymore,” Director of Media Relations Dana Nunn said. “In the past, some students who were done with their graduation requirements in December didn’t come back for the ceremony in May. With the increase in students, we wanted to give students more choices.”
Associate Registrar Holly Teal said they received many requests from students regarding a December Commencement ceremony. In August, President Tim Foster made the decision to hold the ceremony.
Students who wish to graduate in December are asked to choose what ceremony they wish to participate in, if any, by clicking Ceremony Channel under the Student Academics tab in MavZone no later than Oct. 19. In the same tab, graduates are asked to submit the number of guests they are bringing to the ceremony.
The Grad Fair will be held 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the second floor atrium of the University Center. At the fair, students are able to purchase caps, tassels, gowns, announcements and graduation rings. Graduates who are unable to make it to the fair can order these items online at www.herffjones.com/college/colomesa.
Students who order later than Nov. 4 will incur a late fee.
Graduates are asked to arrive one hour prior to the ceremony.
To find out more about the December Commencement Ceremony, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/commencement.

sfrose@mavs.coloradomesa.edu