About
Commencement Info
Commencement is a family-friendly event, though we must limit the number of guests per graduate due to the venue capacity. Graduating students are provided with details regarding tickets and are responsible for distributing their tickets to family/guests prior to the event. No tickets are issued at the door. Both the Township and College Place UMC are wheelchair accessible. The Columbia College Police manage event security, parking and passenger drop-off zones.
Guests are welcome to bring cameras, however, use of a flash is prohibited during the ceremony. Columbia College contracts for professional photography and images may be purchased directly from GradTrack. A photographer is positioned onstage to capture each graduate receiving their diploma from the president, who takes time to pause and turn for an ideal pose. In addition, photographers take candids as families arrive and in the downstairs "greenroom" as graduates don their caps and gowns with classmates and faculty.
The historic Township Auditorium recently underwent a $12 million renovation and seats approximately 3000. The auditorium offers exceptional acoustics and visibility from every seat in the house. It is a grand yet intimate venue for celebrating this dignified and memorable milestone in the life of every Columbia College graduate.
The Columbia College faculty are important participants in this time-honored tradition and wear their formal academic regalia. The platform party, or those seated on the stage, includes senior administrators, faculty leaders, class leaders, honored guests, the Chaplain, Provost, Trustees, and the President of Columbia College.
Columbia College presents an official diploma to each graduate during commencement. King James Bibles inscribed by members of the administration, faculty and staff are also presented during the ceremony. This tradition has endured since the earliest Columbia College graduating classes, honoring the Methodist history and values of the College.
The Township is located on 1703 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
- From I-26: take Exit for I-126 to Columbia, take Elmwood Exit, continue straight until Elmwood comes to an end at Bull Street, take a right onto Bull Street, continue 5 blocks to Taylor Street, take a left onto Taylor Street, The Township Auditorium is located 2 blocks on Taylor Street.
- From I-77: (which turns into 277), continue straight ahead on to Bull Street, turn left onto Taylor Street, The Township Auditorium is located 2 blocks on Taylor Street.
- From I-20: West: take 277 extension and follow directions for I-77.
- From I-20: East: take Columbia East Exit and follow directions for I-26.