Commencement

Here you'll find answers to common questions related to commencement. For more information please contact commencement@colum.edu.

• Why has it already been decided that Commencement will be virtual rather than in person?
  As much as we would prefer to celebrate with our students, their families, and friends in person, we must adhere to safety guidelines laid out by the city and state.  While the city is gradually progressing through its reopening levels, permitting greater numbers at public gatherings, it is unlikely that all restrictions will be lifted in time to host an in-person Commencement.  While some organizations have found creative ways to host their annual events, Columbia College Chicago does not have access to large-scale, outdoor venues that could safely accommodate the thousands of participants, especially at such short notice.  Travel orders may remain in place, depending on case rates outside of Chicago and Illinois. Significantly, due to current vaccine distribution phases and availability, it is unlikely that the majority of students, faculty, and staff will be fully vaccinated prior to Commencement.
• Can Commencement just be rescheduled for later in the summer?

  Most students will have already left campus and housing, thus adding to the financial and logistical considerations of returning to Chicago at a later date. This would also disrupt summer employment and internships for many students.  Also, many faculty use the summer to pursue professional and scholarly projects, making them unavailable to participate.  

   

  While we want to celebrate the graduates and their past accomplishments, we must adhere to safety and gathering guidelines, set forth by the city. If you would like to learn more about the city’s guidelines, please click here.

• IS THERE A FEE FOR GRADUATION?

  Yes, there is a non-refundable graduation fee. The fee does not fully cover but defrays the cost of your diploma, diploma cover, and shipping; commencement regalia; graduation application and degree audit processing; and commencement ceremony production expenses.

• HOW DO I MAKE CHANGES TO MY GRADUATION APPLICATION?

  Update your graduation application on the MyAcademics tab of your MyColumbia portal.

• HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY NAME APPEARS IN THE PRINTED COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY PROGRAM?
  Your graduation application must state your date of graduation as being either Fall 2020, Spring 2021, or Summer 2021. Please note, we cannot guarantee your name will appear in the program if we receive your graduation application after April 16, 2021.
• WHAT INFORMATION DO MASTER’S DEGREE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMMENCEMENT?

  For more information on Graduate Commencement please visit Graduate Student Support at students.colum.edu/graduate.

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRADUATING WITH HONORS AND GRADUATING FROM THE HONORS PROGRAM?

  Columbia College Chicago undergraduates who graduate with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 are recognized as having graduated with academic honors. Graduates with a 3.75 – 3.79 GPA graduate cum laude (“with honors”); students with a 3.80 – 3.89 GPA graduate magna cum laude (“with high honors”); and students with a 3.90 – 4.00 GPA graduate summa cum laude (“with highest honors”). These students wear a gold tassel on their mortarboards at Commencement, and their names are listed with an asterisk in the program. If you are graduating with honors, you will receive a gold tassel at the Cap and Gown Gown Distribution event on May 12th & 13th at The Student Center - 754 S. Wabash - 5th floor.

  Columbia College Chicago’s Honor’s Program offers an enhanced core curriculum, which provides a solid foundation in Liberal Arts and Sciences. In order to graduate from the Honors Program, you must complete 15 credit hours of Honors courses, which are designated with an “H” in the course catalog. You must also maintain a GPA of 3.5 or greater. Honors Program graduates wear a gold stole with the Columbia Honors Program seal at Commencement.

• HOW DO I GET MY HONORS PROGRAM STOLE?
  If you are graduating having met the Honors Program requirement, you may pick up your Honors Program stole with your cap and gown at Cap & Gown Distribution on May 12th and 13th at The Student Center – 754 S. Wabash - 5th floor. Contact your Academic Advisor or honors@colum.edu if you have questions about the Honors Program.
• HOW DO I GET FITTED FOR MY CAP AND GOWN?
  Order your cap and gown package from the link for your graduating class:
  

  • Class of 2019-2020 (Alumni Order) Coming Soon
  • Class of 2020-2021
• DO I GET MY DIPLOMA AT THE CEREMONY?

  No, you will receive your diploma cover when you cross the stage at Commencement. Your diploma will be mailed separately once all degree requirements are met. Only students who attend Commencement will receive a diploma cover. A limited supply of diploma covers will be available at Columbia Central one week before and after Commencement on a first come, first served basis. If you did not attend the ceremony, and you would like to pick up a cover, please visit Columbia Central at 600 S. Michigan, third floor during regular business hours.

• HOW DO I GET MY DIPLOMA?

  Diplomas for undergraduates will be mailed to the address you provided approximately 2 weeks after the posting of your degree. If you did not provide a specific mailing address, your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address on file. You will receive an email to your official colum.edu account when your diploma has been shipped. Feel free to call us at (312) 369-7140 with any questions. All outstanding charges must be paid and you must complete your exit counseling before your diploma will be mailed. Please check your MyColumbia account to see if you have any financial restrictions. If so, please call (312) 369-7140 to settle your account.

• HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN MANIFEST?

  Visit the Manifest website; colum.edu/manifest in the spring semester for information on how to participate.

• HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED AFTER I GRADUATE?

   

  Stay Connected
  Join the alumni community at giving.colum.edu to connect with other alums, access career resources, register for events, and so much more. Want to get more involved? Sign up to be an alumni ambassador!
  
  Tell Us Your Story: Submit a Class Note
  Share your recent news, career update, or exciting accolades at giving.colum.edu/classnotes.
  
  Leave Your Mark
  There is power in participation! Every dollar adds up to create a significant impact for scholarships, the Columbia Internship Award, or a program that made a positive impact on your Columbia experience. Leave your mark today at giving.colum.edu.
  

• HONORS PROGRAM INFORMATION
  If you are graduating having met the Honors Program requirement, you may pick up your Honors Program stole with your cap and gown. Contact your Academic Advisor or honors@colum.edu if you have questions about the Honors Program.