Commencement

The Graduation Checklist 

1) Prepare to Graduate

How To Apply For Graduation 

Apply for graduation today by logging in to MyColumbia, clicking the MyAcademics tab and selecting the Undergraduate or Graduate Graduation application link. 

Students must complete an online graduation application, found in your MyColumbia portal. 

The application should be submitted one academic year before the expected graduation date. (For example, if a student intends to graduate after the spring 2026 semester, they should submit their graduation application one year prior - in the spring 2025 semester.)  

Once the application is completed, you will receive in your student email a receipt from the Office of the Registrar and an initial audit of important information about your requirements. Please review your Advising Guide or UAchieve Degree audit to verify that you are on track to graduate as planned. Notification of your graduation application will be placed in Faculty Comments of your MyColumbia portal. After final grades are submitted, a final graduation audit will be completed by the Degree Evaluation office and an email will be sent to your student email regarding your graduation status. The degree will be posted by the Records Office. Once the degree is posted, the transcript of your academic record at Columbia College Chicago will not be changed. Please note that attendance at the commencement ceremony does not constitute degree completion or graduation. Your diploma and official transcript cannot be issued until all financial obligations to Columbia College Chicago are settled. 

2) Prepare for Your Career 

With graduation approaching, get the support you need to start your career after Columbia. Work with the team at the Career Center to help enhance your resume, cover letter, and portfolio in one-on-one appointments or at a workshop. Connect with professionals at industry-related events. Utilize Handshake to search for jobs, register for workshops/events, and request appointments with Career Center staff. For updates, event announcements, career advice, student highlights, and more, follow the Career Center on Instagram @columcareer. Use #columhired to share your successes!

3) Participate in Manifest: 

Showcasing your body of work for family and friends at Manifest will be a highlight of your academic career. Your department will connect with you on how to participate within your academic showcase. Also, be sure to check the manifest.colum.edu website and follow @cccmanifest on social media for the latest festival updates! 

4) Participate in Your Ceremony – May 11th or 12th 

We are planning an in-person ceremony at the Arie Crown Theatre. It is important that you continue to monitor your Columbia email, the Engage Portal, or this website for the most current information about Commencement. You may contact commencement@colum.edu with questions. 

5) Plan to Stay Connected! 

You’re almost a Colum alum! What’s next? 

  1. Click here to update Alumni Relations on your post-graduation contact info. By doing so, you’ll receive an invitation to join the Alumni Network, a dynamic community of Columbia alumni. As a member, you'll have access to alumni-only events, professional development and career support, news, announcements, and more. Keep an eye out for more information! 
  2. In the meantime, check out Events, Career Resources, and more at alumni.colum.edu. 
  3. Follow us at the accounts below and find new ways to network. 
  4. Tag #ColumAlum after graduation for all of your social media posts. 

 
LinkedIn: Columbia College Chicago ALUMNI  

Twitter/X: @ColumAlum  
Instagram: @ColumAlum 
Facebook:  Columbia College Chicago Alumni Projects

×
×