Commencement

Columbia College graduate

Columbia College is excited to welcome graduates, friends, families, and loved ones to Commencement to celebrate their exceptional academic achievements.

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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

Tickets are required for all guests attending the graduation ceremony. Each graduate will receive an allotted number of complimentary tickets for their guests. To claim tickets, graduates must use the link sent to them by the Registrar’s Office. Details on ticket allotment and deadlines will be outlined at a later date.

If graduates have any guests requiring accessible accommodations, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 803-786-3672 or registrar@columbiasc.edu.

A limited number of extra tickets will be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis. Graduates may purchase a set number of additional tickets at a designated cost, plus tax and fees. Ticket sales will end prior to the ceremony, and no tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Specific dates and details will be provided at a later time.

Date, Time, and Location

May 9 2026
Image of Commencement

Event

Spring 2026 Commencement

May 9, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Columbia College is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2026 at our Spring Commencement Ceremony! We warmly welcome...
Event Details »

Parking, 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.

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.

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.

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.

students at commencement
  • To participate in commencement, all candidates must wear a Columbia College cap and gown.
  • 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.

Questions

For any graduation-related questions, please contact the Registrar's Office at 803.786.3672 or Registrar@ColumbiaSC.edu.

What You Need to Graduate

Learn what requirements you need to fulfill to be able to graduate.