Columbia College is excited to welcome graduates, friends, families, and loved ones to Commencement on Friday, May 2, 2025, to celebrate their exceptional academic achievements.
Below, you will find helpful information and resources for participants and guests. Additional ceremony details will become available closer to the ceremony date.
Date, Time, and Location
Columbia College will celebrate graduate and undergraduate ceremonies on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201.
Live Stream
To accommodate those unable to attend commencement in person, the College will live stream all ceremonies through Columbia College’s YouTube page.
Ticket Information
Each graduate may receive up to 6 tickets for guests at no charge. To order, graduates will need to use the link sent to them by the Registrar’s Office to claim their tickets. Complimentary tickets must be claimed by 11:30 PM EST on Friday, April 18, 2025. If graduates have any guests that need accessible accommodations, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 803-786-3672 or at registrar@columbiasc.edu.
A limited number of extra tickets will be available for purchase starting on April 21st at 9:00 AM on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduates may purchase up to four (4) additional tickets at a cost of $6.00 per ticket, plus tax and fees. Ticket sales will end at 11:30 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2025. No tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Parking, Student/Guest Arrival, and Seating
Parking for commencement is free and available on a first come, first served basis. Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and seating. Doors to the commencement venue will open for students one and a half hours before the start of the ceremony (8:30 AM). Doors for family and friends will open an hour before the start of the ceremony (9:00 AM) and close 10 minutes before the ceremony begins (9:50 AM). Latecomers will be allowed to enter the venue after the processional.
Etiquette & Attire
Commencement is a formal, dignified ceremony recognizing the academic achievements of the College's scholars. While it is an occasion for celebration, it also calls for a level of decorum befitting this long-standing, respected tradition.
- All candidates must wear a Columbia College cap and gown to participate in commencement.
- Stoles and cords for academic and service honors will be provided to qualifying candidates before the commencement ceremony. Beneath the regalia, candidates are asked to dress professionally, similar to what you might wear to a formal business interview.
Ceremony Photography
For the convenience of our graduation candidates and their families, the College has arranged for a professional photographer to capture the moment candidates are awarded their diplomas. The College’s Marketing and Communications Office also provides photography and videography at the event, which is available on social media after the ceremony.
Family members and friends are encouraged to remain seated and enjoy the ceremony.
In-Absentia Graduates
If students cannot attend or do not plan to participate in the Commencement Exercise, graduation will be live-streamed so all can share in this wonderful day. Watch Columbia College’s social media platforms for the live stream link a few days before the event. The graduate's degree will be mailed to them within a few days after the ceremony. Only the names of those in attendance will be read aloud during the ceremony.
Questions
For any graduation-related questions, please contact the Registrar's Office at 803.786.3672 or Registrar@ColumbiaSC.edu.