Commencement Ceremony

What You Should Know About Commencement

Directions and Parking

General parking at the Broadmoor World Area is Free. Lot 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

As a graduate, you should begin to arrive at the Broadmoor World Arena at 8:30am on Saturday, May 11. You will enter though Gate A.
Guests will not be permitted in the venue until 9:45am. Guests will enter though Gate B.
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.

After Arrival: For Graduates

Upon entering Gate A, continue to your right toward Gate D to check in. Check-in will be divided into alphabetical groups. At check-in, you will be given a name card. Keep this card on your person. This is what the reader will use to announce your name when you walk across the stage.
After check-in, make your way down to the service level tunnel for staging and procession line up. There are stairs and an elevator between Gates A and B at the Penrose Club Entrance. You may also use the Arena Bar stairs located between Gate D and Gate A.
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.

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.

Quick Tips for Graduates

GradImages will be present during the Ceremony to take graduate portraits. If you register for GradImages before commencement day, you will get 20% off your official photography purchase.
It will be warm in the service level where you will line up for the procession. Plan and dress accordingly.
You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes!
The venue will not allow you to bring in water, but our Student Care team will have some available should you need it.
Don’t carry unnecessary items. There will be nowhere to store personal items such as bags and purses during the 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

Purchasing Your Cap & Gown

Graduates are required to wear a cap and gown during the ceremony. Order your cap and gown via the  PPSC Bookstore. The deadline to order is March 8, 2024. Contact the bookstore for your options after this deadline has passed.

Purchase your Regalia

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 want to 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