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Aims Community College graduates pose for a photo inside the Welcome Center on the Greeley Campus

Congrats, Aims graduates!

Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 10, 2024
11 a.m. Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology
3 p.m. Allied Health, Public Safety & Transportation
Aims Welcome Center Auditorium

Preparing for Commencement

Important dates

Apply to graduate by Tuesday, February 27, 2024 to include your name and degree in the commencement program.

For more information on how to apply to graduate and answers to frequently asked questions, see the graduation page.

Commencement FAQ

Order regalia by 9:59 p.m. MT on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Register to attend the ceremony by midnight MT on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Pick up your cap and gown starting on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Aims Bookstore located in the Student Commons on the Greeley Campus.

Contact the Bookstore for current hours.

Information for Graduates and Guests

If you're looking for cap and gown pickup information, details on what to bring to the ceremony, parking information and more, read these important commencement ceremony details.

An Aims graduate making a thumbs up gesture during a commencement ceremony

Check-in and Lineup

Check-in time for graduates begins 90 minutes before the ceremony.

Wear your cap & gown to check-in. Be prepared to open your gown for visual inspections.

Any cap mortar board decorations that raise the height of your cap are not allowed and will be asked to be removed.

Backpacks are not allowed. Please do not bring bags, purses, etc. as there is no secure location to store them.

All graduates will line up in the staging area as directed by check-in staff.

Family, friends or other guests are not allowed in the graduate check-in area.

Accommodations and Guest Information

guest

Doors open to guests 90 minutes before the ceremony.

Tickets are required to view the ceremony in person and seating is available on a first come first served basis. Guests can watch a livestream of commencement from home or if they do not have a ticket.

Accessible parking spots will be available in the Welcome Center north parking lot. Vehicles must have a placard or license plate on display.

There will be a drop off area and shuttles available. 

Please be aware that the Aims Clear Bag Policy is in effect for the commencement ceremony. 

To request seating accommodations or get answers to other questions related to accommodations, call 970-339-6388 or email disabilities@aims.edu.

An Aims Community College graduate in cap and gown standing with a guest
Student on Stage at Commencement

Clear Water Bottles Only

To ensure a safe environment and experience for all attendees, only clear water bottles are allowed in the Welcome Center for Aims commencement Ceremonies. Guests will be asked to return water bottles that don’t comply to their vehicle or otherwise dispose of the item upon entry.

Bags, Bottles and Purses

clear-bag
Permitted Items at Commencement

Clear Bag Policy

Aims Community College is committed to providing a safe environment for students, employees and guests. To expedite entry into the auditorium and ballroom, Aims has implemented a policy limiting the type and size of bags allowed into the venue. Exceptions to this policy will be made for medically necessary items after a thorough inspection.

Prohibited items include but are not limited to: Purses larger than a small clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

The following bags are permitted in the Welcome Center:

  1. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” W x 12” H x 6” D
  2. One-gallon clear plastic bags (Ziploc or similar) are permitted
  3. One (1) personal item such as a small clutch or wallet not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size

Guests are allowed one (1) large clear bag – either the 12” W x 12” H x 6” D clear bag or one-gallon Ziploc style bag – plus one (1) small personal item.

Regalia and Mortar Board Decorations

Academic regalia is a tradition that signifies your new status as a graduate and unites the graduating class together. Regalia can be ordered through the Aims bookstore and includes a black gown, black mortar board, and black and red tassel. Participation in the ceremony involves significant walking, including on stairs, and graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.

Accessories

Approved stoles, cords and pins provided by formally recognized programs, departments, clubs and organizations may be worn for the ceremony. A full list of approved accessories is available on the Commencement FAQ page.

Mortar Board Decorations

Aims welcomes the tasteful decorating of your mortar board. Please be respectful of other graduates sitting behind you. All decorations must be flat to the top of the mortar board.

Tassels

Graduates may choose to wear either the standard black and red tassel or the PTK gold tassel. Souvenir tassels are not permitted for the ceremony.

Aims Graduate shows off mortar decoration

Professional Photos of Graduates

Get professional photos of your special day to share with family and friends!

A professional photographer will capture an image of you onstage as you receive your diploma and a portrait of you in cap and gown taken offstage.

After the ceremony, you'll receive an email with image proofs and ordering information.

Female photographer takes a photo of three college graduates and friends. They are holding diplomas and smiling at the camera. Focus is on the camera in the foreground.