Commencement

You can find previous announcements and emails you may have missed below.

• IMPORTANT GRADUATION REMINDERS!!! (5/7/25)

  

  Hello Graduate,

  CONGRATULATIONS. You've made it to the home stretch! Check out your Commencement updates below. 🎓✨

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  PLAN TO ATTEND 'THAT'S A WRAP' FINAL GRAD EXPO
  NEXT WEEK
  
  Join us Tuesday, May 13, OR Wednesday, May 14, 2024,
  10 A.M. – 6 P.M. in the Student Center

  • You must pick up your Name Card (this is to ensure your name is read properly as you walk across the stage)
  • If eligible, pick up your Honors tassel or Honors Program Stole (only students eligible for Latin Honors will receive a gold tassel)
  • Have your graduation portraits taken for at no cost (you can choose which photos you want to purchase after graduation)
  • Get your Class of 2025 Manifest T-shirt
  • Decorate your cap and gown in the Makerspace

  Choose which day and time works best for you, stay as long as you'd like, and make sure all of your Graduation details are in order. REGISTER TODAY! 

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  STILL NEED A CAP & GOWN, OR NEED TO PICK UP YOUR 7 GUEST TICKETS

  If you have not ordered a cap and gown, LIMTED extra regalia will be available at ‘That’s a Wrap!’ Final Grad Expo. You can also pick up your 7 Commencement tickets at this event.

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   ARE YOU IN NEED OF EXTRA TICKETS

  Graduates who have received 7 or fewer tickets can pick up 2 additional tickets at ‘That’s a Wrap!’ Final Grad Expo. Below are the stipulations to receive additional tickets:

  • Students who have receive 7 or fewer tickets can receive up to 2 additional tickets
  • For those eligible, tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • You or your proxy must attend ‘That’s a Wrap!’ Final Grad Expo to receive the additional tickets. 

  If needed, students can send a representative (student or non-student) to pick up tickets/additional tickets at ‘That’s a Wrap!’ - Final Grad Expo. Just fill out the Proxy Pick-Up Form on our website. Have your representative PRINT, and bring the completed form and a copy of your student ID to ‘That’s a Wrap!’ Final Grad Expo.

  NO ACCOMMODATIONS OR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE
  TO THE ADDITIONAL TICKET POLICY.

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  FINAL REMINDERS

  • There is ample parking at the arena for $10/day
  • Graduates must arrive 1 hour before their ceremony
  • Wear comfortable shoes to march down the ramp and into the arena

  The following items are prohibited from the arena: 

  • No Backpacks, Large Bags, Suitcases, or any purse/bag larger than 14″x14″x6″
  • No Strollers
  • No Balloons
  • No Outside Food and Beverage
  • No Cameras: No flash/professional photography
  • No Audio or Video Recording Devices
  • No Selfie sticks

  See the arena's full list of prohibited items here.

• COULDN'T MAKE IT TO GRAD EXPO TO PICK UP YOUR TICKETS? (4/11/25)
  

  Hello Graduate,

  Whether you were able to attend Grad Expo or not, below are some important deadlines and items to keep in mind. 🎓✨

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  COULDN'T MAKE IT TO GRAD EXPO
  TO PICK UP YOUR TICKETS?

  Below are some additional ticket pick-up options:

  1. Ticket Distribution — 754 S. Wabash – Student Life Office, 3rd floor:
     Tuesday, April 15 – Thursday, May 8 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  2. ‘That’s a Wrap!’ Final Grad Expo —  Tuesday May 13th and Wednesday, May 14th, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Student Center.
  3. Credit Union 1 Arena Box Office —  Sunday, May 18, one hour before your ceremony.  

  Students can also send a representative (student or non-student) to pick up tickets at Ticket Distribution or ‘That’s a Wrap!’ - Final Grad Expo. Just fill out the Proxy Pick-Up Form on our website. Have your representative PRINT and bring the completed form, along with a copy of your student ID to the Ticket Distribution dates listed above.
  
  For more info, please visit https://students.colum.edu/commencement/faqs.

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  YOU SHOULD HAVE ORDERED YOUR
  CAP & GOWN BY NOW 

  MONDAY, APRIL 14 IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN

  1. YOU MUST ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN VIA HERFF JONES. 
     • The information you provided on your graduation application does not automatically order your cap and gown.
  2. THERE'S NO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOU.
     • Click here
     • Select CAP AND GOWN
     • Select ORDER NOW.
     • If you choose to order additional memorabilia (frames, stoles, rings, etc.), you will incur a cost.
  3. YOUR CAP & GOWN WILL SHIP DIRECTLY TO YOUR PREFERRED ADDRESS.

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  Questions about your ceremony date, time, location, etc.? Read our FAQ'S. 

  For additional info, visit students.colum.edu/commencement, or email commencement@colum.edu.
• COME TO GRAD EXPO TOMORROW! (4/8/25)

   

  

  Are You Ready for Tomorrow's Grad Expo? 🎓✨

  WHEN: Wednesday, April 9th (10am - 3pm) OR Thursday, April 10th (3pm – 6pm). 
  WHERE: The Student Center
  WHY:  Make sure all of your graduation details are in order. Choose which day and time works best for you. Come by and stay for as long as you'd like.

  • Double check your graduation audit
  • Explore financial planning after graduation
  • Have your graduation portraits taken
  • Order your graduation memorabilia (stoles, etc.)
  • Find out what to expect at this year's Manifest
  • Learn more about Commencement 2025
  • PICK UP YOUR 7 COMMENCEMENT TICKETS!

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  ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN TODAY

  1. DON'T WAIT! YOU MUST ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN VIA HERFF JONES. 
     • The information you provided on your graduation application does not automatically order your cap and gown.
  2. THERE'S NO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOU.
     • Click here
     • Select CAP AND GOWN
     • Select ORDER NOW.
     • If you choose to order additional memorabilia (frames, stoles, rings, etc.), you will incur a cost.
  3. YOUR CAP & GOWN WILL SHIP DIRECTLY TO YOUR PREFERRED ADDRESS.

  Questions about your ceremony date, time, location, etc.? Read our FAQ'S. 

  For additional info, visit students.colum.edu/commencement, or email commencement@colum.edu.
• GET READY FOR GRAD EXPO NEXT WEEK! (3/31/25)

  

  Welcome Back Graduate,

  Below are your weekly reminders to get you prepped and ready to attend next week's Grad Expo! 🎓✨

  1.  ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN TODAY

  1. DON'T WAIT! YOU MUST ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN VIA HERFF JONES. 
     • The information you provided on your graduation application does not automatically order your cap and gown.
  2. THERE'S NO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOU.
     • Click here
     • Select CAP AND GOWN
     • Select ORDER NOW.
     • If you choose to order additional memorabilia (frames, stoles, rings, etc.), you will incur a cost.
  3. YOUR CAP & GOWN WILL SHIP DIRECTLY TO YOUR PREFERRED ADDRESS.

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  2. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT COMPETITIONS

  Represent your class by applying for one of the three commencement competitions below.
  Click here for more info and to apply. The deadline to apply is TONIGHT AT 11:59PM CDT.

  

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  3. GET READY FOR GRAD EXPO

  WHEN: Wednesday, April 9th (10am - 3pm) OR Thursday, April 10th (3pm – 6pm). 
  WHERE: The Student Center
  WHY:  Make sure all of your graduation details are in order. Choose which day and time works best for you. Come by and stay for as long as you'd like.

  • Double check your graduation audit
  • Explore financial planning after graduation
  • Have your graduation portraits taken
  • Order your graduation memorabilia (stoles, etc.)
  • Find out what to expect at this year's Manifest
  • Learn more about Commencement 2025
  • PICK UP YOUR 7 COMMENCEMENT TICKETS!

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  Questions about your ceremony date, time, location, etc.? Read our FAQ'S. 

  For additional info, visit students.colum.edu/commencement, or email commencement@colum.edu.
• Before You Go... (3/19/25)
  

  Hello Graduate,

  We get it. Spring break is calling your name. But before you unplug, take a sec to order your free cap and gown. Yep, FREE. Just follow the steps below. And while you're at it, check out a few other Commencement reminders—you got this! 🎓✨

  1.  ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN TODAY

  • DON'T WAIT! YOU MUST ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN VIA HERFF JONES. 
    • The information you provided on your graduation application does not automatically order your cap and gown.
  • THERE'S NO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOU.
    • Click here
    • Select CAP AND GOWN
    • Select ORDER NOW.
    • If you choose to order additional memorabilia (frames, stoles, rings, etc.), you will incur a cost.
  • YOUR CAP & GOWN WILL SHIP DIRECTLY TO YOUR PREFERRED ADDRESS.

  
  

  2. APPLY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT COMPETITIONS

  Represent your class by applying for one of the three commencement competitions below.
  Click here for more info and to apply. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 31.

  

  3. GET READY FOR GRAD EXPO

  WHEN: Wednesday, April 9th (10am - 3pm) OR Thursday, April 10th (3pm – 6pm). 
  WHERE: The Student Center
  WHY:  Make sure all of your graduation details are in order. Choose which day and time works best for you. Come by and stay for as long as you'd like.

  • Double check your graduation audit
  • Explore financial planning after graduation
  • Have your graduation portraits taken
  • Order your graduation memorabilia (stoles, etc.)
  • Find out what to expect at this year's Manifest
  • Learn more about Commencement 2025
  • PICK UP YOUR 7 COMMENCEMENT TICKETS!

  

  4. BE SURE TO READ THE COMMENCEMENT FAQ'S

  Questions about your ceremony date, time, location, etc.? Read our FAQ'S. 

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  For additional info, visit students.colum.edu/commencement, or email commencement@colum.edu.
• What Are You Waiting For? Order Your Cap & Gown Today! (2/18/25)

  

  Hello Graduate,

  Are you excited about the big day? Below are your Commencement Reminders.

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  ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN TODAY

  
  

  1.  DON'T WAIT! YOU MUST ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN VIA HERFF JONES
  The information you provided on your graduation application does not automatically order your cap and gown. 

  2.  THERE'S NO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOU.  
  That's right! It costs $0.00 to order your robe.

  Click here >

  Select CAP and GOWN >

  Select ORDER NOW.

  If you choose to order additional memorabilia (frames, stoles, rings, etc.), you will incur a cost.

  3.  YOUR CAP & GOWN WILL SHIP DIRECTLY TO YOUR PREFERRED ADDRESS.

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  APPLY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT COMPETITIONS

  Represent your class by applying for one of the three commencement competitions below.
  Click here for more info and to apply. the deadline to apply is Monday, March 31.

  

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  COMPOSE THE MANIFEST SONG AND WIN $1,000

  Compose the 2025 Manifest Song, perform LIVE at the Kick-Off and be featured in the Manifest video! The selected artist will win $1,000 and become a part of Manifest history! Submissions are open, so start composing! Click here for info!
  
  

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  BE SURE TO READ THE COMMENCEMENT FAQ'S

  Do you have questions about your ceremony date, time, location, how many tickets you will receive, etc.? Then head over to visit https://students.colum.edu/commencement/faqs, your one-stop shop for all questions concerning the big day.

  For additional info, visit students.colum.edu/commencement, or email commencement@colum.edu.
• GRADUATES: It's Time to Order Your Cap & Gown (1/27/25)

  

  Hello Graduate,

  The countdown to graduation is here! Before you know it, you’ll be walking across that stage.
  Before we make it to the big day, here are a couple of reminders:

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  ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN TODAY

  1. You must order your cap and gown via the Herff Jones website!
     The information you provided on your graduation application does NOT automatically order your cap and gown. 

  2. There's no out of pocket cost to you!
     That's right, it costs $0.00 to order your robe, so don't wait.  Just click here > select 'CAP AND GOWN' > ORDER NOW.  If you choose to order additional memorabilia (frames, stoles, rings, souvenir tassles, custom cap, etc.), you will be charged for those items.
     

  3. Your cap & gown will be shipped directly to your preferred mailing address.

  4. The deadline to order your cap & gown is Monday, April 14th. 

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  APPLY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT COMPETITIONS

  Represent your class by applying for one of the three student speaker competitions below. Click here for more info and to apply.
  

  

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  COMPOSE THE MANIFEST SONG AND WIN $1,000

  Compose the 2025 Manifest Song, perform LIVE at the Kick-Off and be featured in the Manifest Video!  The selected artist will win $1,000 and become a part of Manifest history.  Submissions are open, so start composing!  Click here for info.

  

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  BE SURE TO READ THE COMMENCEMENT FAQ'S

  
  Do you have questions about your ceremony date, time, location, how many tickets you will receive, etc.? Then head over to visit https://students.colum.edu/commencement/faqs, your one-stop shop for all questions concerning the big day.

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  For additional information, please visit students.colum.edu/commencement, or email commencement@colum.edu.

Dear Graduates, 

We are proud that you have reached this milestone, and we wish you the best as you embark on your professional journey. We are looking forward to seeing you at your Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Credit Union 1 Arena, (525 S. Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL). The ceremony times are 11:00am and 4:30pm and all graduates will be given seven tickets. 

If you plan to participate in the ceremony, it is important for you to stay informed about Commencement planning. Please continue to monitor your Columbia email, the Commencement Website, and ensure you have access to the All Things Commencement group in the Engage Portal. All graduates should refer to the Graduation Checklist to make sure you have completed all necessary steps prior to your ceremony.  

There are several Commencement competitions that you are eligible to participate in which will open during the spring semester. The Student Speaker Selection, the Commencement Photography and Poetry competitions will each feature a graduate from your class. As you continue to monitor Commencement communications, look out for these competitions, and consider entering your work.

Once again, congratulations and I look forward to seeing you at Manifest and Commencement! 

Sincerely, 

Sharon Wilson-Taylor, Ph.D. 
Vice President of Student Affairs