FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - COLORADO EVENTS

Each RVUCOM graduate may select ONE Guest Hooder. Graduates who choose not to have a Guest Hooder will be hooded by a designated member of the RVU Faculty.

• Only ONE Guest Hooder per graduate will be permitted.
• The Guest Hooder you select can be any individual of your choice.

Guidelines for Guest Hooder Selection:

• Be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Must be fully mobile, as the ability to walk, stand, and climb stairs is essential during the Commencement Ceremony.
• All Guest Hooders will be required to sit in a designated section separate from the graduates and other attending family and friends for the duration of the ceremony.

If a DO Graduate does not select a guest hooder, they will be hooded by a designated member of the RVU Faculty.

You will have until February 20th to select your hooder. If you selected a guest hooder and need to change at the last minute, you can, but you will not be allowed to add a hooder after this date – NO EXCEPTIONS!

All Guest Hooders must be dressed in business professional attire. Participants who possess regalia are welcome to wear it; however, please note that RVU will not be responsible for procuring or assisting in the acquisition of regalia.

No. The person you choose will sit with the other hooders in a different section of the venue.

No. Military uniforms will be worn underneath regalia. After military graduates are hooded, they will remove their regalia backstage before the military commissioning ceremony.

Please refer them to the RVU website/University Events tab.

The RVUCOM Ceremony will last ≈ 2 hours.

Yes. The Commencement ceremony is mandatory and is required in order to receive your diploma.

Yes, all graduates will be required to be on campus on Friday, May 17th for rehearsals, photos, etc.

Commencement is the ceremony we celebrate your accomplishments as you end your student life and begin your life as a member of the Rocky Vista University’s Alumni Association. Graduation is the act of completing all graduation requirements, e.g., ordering your cap and gown, ordering your graduation announcements, etc.

No. Family members will not be allowed close enough to the stage to take photos of you. However, a professional photographer will take a picture of each graduates as they receive their degree and a link will be sent to each graduate after the ceremony.

Students who qualify for recognition at the ceremony will be given their honors cords while on campus on May 17th.

Graduates who were involved in a Track will receive their stole(s) while on campus on May 17th.

Graduates will receive a link with directions on how to order regalia, diploma frames and announcements through Herff Jones. You are also welcome to order from any company you choose.

No, the venue is large enough to accommodate all of your guests. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Please contact Erica Whatley at ewhatley@rvu.edu if one of your guests requires an accommodation for the Commencement Ceremony. Please also state the nature of the accommodation (e.g. accessible seating, etc.)

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is located in downtown Denver at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on the corner of 14th and Curtis. Entrance to the parking garage is located on 13th and Arapahoe and can accommodate 1700 vehicles. Parking is $12.00 and can be paid via cash or card.

Diplomas will be handed out after the ceremony.

The DO diploma is 11” x 14”.

No, the ceremony will not be live streamed, but it will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed out a week after the ceremony.