Graduation Announcements, Caps & Gowns and Diplomas

Save the Date:
End-of-the-Year Events

Cap and Gown Distribution:
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1st and 2nd
10am-7pm at The Court | 731 S. Plymouth Ct.

Manifest Urban Arts Festival:
Friday, May 4th
Visit colum.edu/manifest for more details coming soon!

Diploma Pick Up:
Fall 2011 graduates – March 28th
Spring 2012 graduates – July 11th
Summer 2012 graduates – August 18th
Office of Degree Evaluation | 623 S. Wasbash Ave., room 316

If you’re graduating and planning on walking in one of the May ceremonies (and if you’re not sure yet, just know it will break your grandmother’s heart if you don’t), make sure you’ve made arrangements for a cap and gown and sent announcements to all your friends and loved ones so they can share in your moment.

If you’re wondering how Columbia knows what size gown to order for you, it’s based on the height and weight that you entered into your graduation application. If you have yet to complete a graduation application, do so immediately and then make an appointment to see your College Advisor.

As for caps, one size fits all.

You can pick up your cap and gown, as well as your personal graduate seating card in The Court (731 S. Plymouth Ct.) on May 1st and 2nd from 10am-7pm. If you cannot pick up your robe on these days, you can obtain it immediately before the ceremony at the Chicago Theatre. You must bring your seating card with you to Commencement. The cap and gown are yours to keep after the ceremony.

Columbia students can order custom graduation announcements from Columbia’s preferred commencement product partner, Jostens, or download the complimentary graduation announcements available on the Commencement website.

Wondering about your diploma? At the ceremony you will only receive your diploma jacket – not your actual diploma. Undergraduate students can pick up their diplomas after graduation at one of the appropriate dates listed below. If you’re going out of town, you can request to have it mailed for a $7.00 fee. Diplomas can be picked up in the Office of Degree Evaluation (623 S. Wabash Ave., room 316).

• Fall 2011 graduates (graduating December 17, 2011) may pick up their diplomas on or after March 28, 2012.
• Spring 2012 graduates (graduating May 5, 2012) may pick up their diplomas on or after July 11, 2012.
• Summer 2012 graduates (graduating August 18, 2012) may pick up their diplomas on or after October 3, 2012.

If you have additional questions about announcements, caps, gowns or any other commencement details, visit the Commencement FAQ page or write commencement@colum.edu.