Graduating in a pandemic
You should be proud of your accomplishments and hard work during your time at CU Boulder – especially with how much has changed recently. While these changes have affected our traditional celebrations during this time of the year, it’s important to take time to reflect on and celebrate how far you’ve come. Here are some tips for working through these changes and celebrating this milestone in your own way.
Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay
It’s normal to experience a variety of emotions right now. Many students are feeling let down and disappointed with the disruptions to our traditional celebrations. At the same time, many are also feeling a sense of excitement, pride and curiosity for what’s next. Whatever emotions you’re experiencing are valid. It’s okay to feel sad or happy – or a mixture of both.
Stay connected
No matter what you’re feeling right now, staying connected with your support system of family and friends can be helpful. Share how you’re feeling and let them know what you need so they can support you in a beneficial way. For instance, you may need someone to listen to your uncertainties about the future. Or maybe you’d like help planning a virtual graduation party to celebrate.
Find creative ways to celebrate
Graduation may look different this year, but there are still ways to celebrate this huge accomplishment with friends and family. In addition to attending the live streamed commencement ceremony at noon on Saturday, May 16,​ here are some ideas to help you celebrate this milestone:
- Capture the moment with a photoshoot. so you can take graduation photos with your family or roommates! While the backdrop may look different, you will still be thankful years from now that you documented this momentous occasion.
- Make your own scrapbook. Gather all of the great memories you’ve made while at college and make your own scrapbook to look back on. You can make a section for each year to include photos of your friends, adventures, football tickets and other memories to look back on. Share it with your friends or have them add to it! Don’t have photos you can print? No worries! You can also .
- Give thanks. Write a note or letter to your family and friends to let them know how grateful you are for their support over the past few years. If you have friends who are also graduating, consider sending them a card or note to let them know you’re proud of their accomplishments too.
- Plan a reunion. Pick a future date to reconvene on campus with your friends or classmates. Make a plan to come together and celebrate your achievements and reminisce about all of the great times you had during your time at CU. You can also make plans to walk across the stage together as part of the in-person graduation next year in spring 2021.
- Host a celebratory dinner. Cook your favorite meal or order your favorite takeout in town to celebrate your accomplishments over a celebratory dinner! Invite friends and family to join the celebration virtually through video chat. Add some extra fun by coordinating a theme or sharing your menu ahead of time so everyone can make the same meal.
Need more ideas? Visit the 2020 Commencement page for additional ways you can celebrate graduation and your journey to becoming a #ForeverBuff!