Published: Dec. 11, 2008

The University of Colorado at Boulder will hold its winter commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the Coors Events/Conference Center on campus.

The university ceremony is free and open to the public.

Because of possible traffic delays, early arrival is strongly advised. Guests should plan to be seated by 9 a.m. People entering the events center also may be subject to search and are asked not to bring large purses or bags to the ceremony.

During the ceremony, 2,189 degrees will be conferred. Degrees to be awarded include 1,663 bachelor's degrees, 363 master's degrees, 149 doctoral degrees and 14 law degrees.

John Falconer, professor and chair of the chemical and biological engineering department at CU-Boulder, will give the commencement address. In April, Falconer was awarded the Hazel Barnes Prize, CU-Boulder's highest faculty recognition for teaching and research.

Falconer was named a President's Teaching Scholar in 2000, a lifetime appointment and the university's highest teaching recognition, and also is known for his groundbreaking and highly cited research. He has been a faculty member at CU-Boulder since 1975.

Free parking for guests will be available in various lots on campus and at all campus meters. A live webcast of the ceremony and additional information about commencement, including a campus parking map and information for people with disabilities, is available on the Web at /.