Commencement Ceremony

What You Should Know About Commencement

Arrival and Parking

Directions and Parking

General parking at the Broadmoor World Area is Free. Lot A is reserved for volunteers. There is ADA/handicapped parking available in all parking lots. Keep in mind - tailgating is not allowed in the parking lot.
There are three entrances to the venue parking lot - Venetucci Blvd (busiest entrance), Geyser Dr., and Bob Johnson Dr. For the quickest entry, we recommend using the entrances off of Geyser Dr. and Bob Johnson Dr. View venue directions and parking information.

Arrival & Entering the Venue

The ceremony will begin at 10:30am.
Please review the Broadmoor World Arena’s entry policies prior to arrival. This includes policies on bags, outside food and beverage (including water), strollers, and security.
More information will be available closer to the ceremony.

After Arrival: For Graduates

Marshals will be on hand to give you processional directions, and volunteers will be on hand to help you with any last-minute preparations.
Additional support at the venue will include general information and troubleshooting, phonetic spelling assistance, PPSC Bookstore, Military & Veterans Programs, and COSI and Promise Programs, and more.
More information will be available closer to the ceremony.

After Arrival: For Guests

After entering through Gate B, guests can sit anywhere in the arena in open seating, with two exceptions: the arena floor is reserved for graduates. You cannot sit with graduates. Several rows in Section 107 are reserved for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Commencement Programs will be available at the venue both printed and digital formats. For digital formats, look for posters with the QR Code around the venue and scan it with your phone.

Accessibility

If accommodations are needed for graduates, visit the Accessibility Table after you check in. Accommodation Services provided by PPSC are for graduates. The venue is set up to accommodate family members and guests. Primary accommodations include preferential seating for students with mobility challenges.
ASL Interpreters will be on stage as well as on the floor for visual access.
The Broadmoor World Arena is set up to accommodate family members and guests with accessibility needs, including wheelchair and companion seating.

PPSC graduate with family at commencement ceremony

Browse additional resources below, and view all frequently asked questions about the graduation process and the commencement ceremony on our FAQ page.

Graduation and Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions, concerns, or comments not covered here or in the FAQ, email commencement@pikespeak.edu

Ordering Your Regalia

It is highly recommended that you order your regalia online. Doing so helps ensure that you get the right size and package and allows for time to correct any potential issues that could arise. The link will be posted here when available.

Online orders will arrive at the Centennial Campus Bookstore and be available for pickup starting the week of April 14, 2025. The bookstore will call you when your regalia has arrived.

If you miss the online ordering window, you may purchase regalia at the Centennial Campus Bookstore. Contact them directly with any questions as supplies may be limited. You can reach the bookstore directly at 719-502-2665.

January 20, 2025 – Online ordering opens

March 7, 2025 – Online ordering closes

April 14, 2025 – Online orders available for pickup starting this week. In-person purchases available at Centennial Campus Bookstore
May 17, 2025 - Commencement Ceremony

For the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, you will choose your regalia package by the division or pathway that your program falls under. If you are unsure of your division or pathway, see the full Regalia Purchasing Guide.

Regalia Purchasing Guide

Height	Weight
4’9” – 4’11”	Up to 130 lbs.
5’ – 5’2”	Up to 150 lbs.
5’3” – 5’5”	Up to 170 lbs.
5’6” – 5’8”	Up to 250 lbs.
5’9” – 5’11”	Up to 275 lbs.
6’ – 6’2”	Up to 300 lbs.
6’ – 6’5”	Up to 325 lbs.
Plus 1* 4’9” – 5’5”	Over 200 lbs.
Plus 2* 5’6” – 5’11”	Over 275 lbs.
Plus 3* 6’ – 6’5”	Over 325 lbs.

*NOTE: The Plus size gown will comfortably fit a bust/waist/hip measurement of 72". If you do not need this much width in the body of the gown, but your weight is slightly higher than the ranges listed above, order the next gown length, i.e., instead of 5'3-5' 5", order size 5 '6-5 '8".

For student clubs, organizations, and programs, contact your club advisors for information about cords and stoles. 

Honor Cords are distributed during commencement check-in. Make sure to verify your GPA to ensure you receive the correct cord for your academic achievement: 

Graduating with highest honor, Summa Cum Laude - 4.0 cumulative GPA

Graduating with great honor, Magna Cum Laude - 3.75 - .399 cumulative GPA

Graduating with honor, Cum Laude - 3.5 - 3.749 cumulative GPA

Students earning a bachelor’s degree will also receive a special recognition cord.

Current PPSC cords and stoles available include:

Phi Theta Kappa (Can be purchased from Phi Theta Kappa)

Military Recognition (Provided by MVP)

LGBTQIA2+ Recognition (Provided by PPSC)

High School Programs (Provided by PPSC)

COSI (Provided by COSI)

Promise Programs (Provided by Promise Programs)

Work-Study (Provided by Career Services or PPSC)

Military and Veterans Work-Study (Provided by PPSC)

Student Ambassadors (Provided by Enrollment Department)

Student Government Association (Provided by PPSC)

You may also purchase any other stoles you wish to wear during the ceremony via the online ordering site, the bookstore, or your vendor of choice.

Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

How to Wear Graduation Regalia

Still have questions? Please reach out to commencement@pikespeak.edu.

Register to Attend the Ceremony

You must apply for graduation to attend commencement. You will indicate on the application if you intend on participating in the ceremony. If you change your mind about participating, email us at commencement@pikespeak.edu.

Apply for Graduation

ppsc student and family member at commencement

Ceremony Day

The ceremony will begin at 10:30am. Graduates will check in beginning at 8:30am, and guests can arrive after 9:45am. There is no dress code, but business casual is highly recommended. If you are registered to attend the ceremony, you will get details sent to your email as the event approaches.

Commencement Ceremony FAQs

ppsc student holding up diploma cover at commencement ceremony

Receiving Your Diploma

Your diploma is not provided during the ceremony. It will be mailed to the address you provided on your graduation application approximately 8 weeks after your degree is posted to your transcript. You must apply to graduate to receive your diploma, even if you don't want to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Graduation Process