F.A.Q.'s

11. I never got my official graduation letter in the mail!

12. How can I get involved in Manifest?

13. When do I pick up my guest tickets for commencement?

1. When is cap and gown distribution?   
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1 and 2, 2012
10am - 7pm at The Court (731 S. Plymouth Court).

2. When and where can I pick up my diploma?
(Please note: Students who recently separated from the college and did not return for the next term may have an SFS hold on their account. These students will need to complete exit counseling before the hold can be removed. Please visit www.studentloans.gov to complete exit counseling. Once exit counseling has been completed, the hold will be removed.)

Please note, that you will receive only on diploma jacket only at the graduation ceremony.

Diplomas may be picked up in the Office of Degree Evaluation (623 S. Wabash, 3rd. floor, room 316) after graduation on the appropriate date below.  
 

Fall 2011 graduates (graduating December 17, 2011) may pick up their diplomas on or after March 28, 2012

Spring 2012 graduates (graduating May 5, 2012) may pick up their diplomas on or after July 11, 2012

Summer 2012 graduates (graduating August 18, 2012) may pick up their diplomas on or after October 3, 2012

 You are technically required to pick up your diploma, however you may request to have it mailed for a $7.00 fee. Diplomas will only be issued once academic and financial obligations have been satisfied.  Please contact Ruby Turner at 312-369-7441 for more information.

4. Are there tickets for commencement?
 Yes! Each graduate will receive up to 6 tickets for their guests. You may reserve your tickets here. Unreserved tickets will be redistributed to graduates seeking extras as they become available.

Please note that as of March 2012, there are not extra tickets to distribute for those who have requested more than the guaranteed six tickets. Students are highly encouraged that if they do not need all six tickets they should request only the number of tickets that they need. The extra tickets are not guaranteed even if requested, so students should help out their fellow classmates if they can.

Download form for proxy commencement ticket pick-up here.

5. Does Columbia recommend any specific hotels for visiting family and friends?
Yes! The following hotels are special partners. 

6. How long is each ceremony?
Each ceremony will last approximately 2 hours.

7. How do I get fitted for my cap and gown?
Your gown is ordered based on the height and weight that you provide on the graduation application.

8. How do I opt in or out of walking in the ceremony?
Students opt in for the ceremony when they apply for graduation and give their height/hat sizes. There is no opting out procedure.  Students just don't show up!

9. How can I arrange for special assistance for myself or one of my guests?
If you are a guest with special needs, the ushers at the Chicago Theatre will be ready and waiting to assist you to sit comfortably with your party. If you are a graduating student and have special needs or require any type of assistance at the venue during the Commencement Ceremony, please email jsummers@colum.edu.

10. How can I stay connected after I graduate?
Join the alumni network!

Tickets will be distributed on April 17-18 and April 24-25 between 11am and 3pm in the Conaway Center | 1104 S. Wabash Ave. You will need to bring your student I.D. and sign for their tickets in order to claim them. Tickets cannot be mailed, and there is no will call. You may send a representative to pick up your tickets for you. Please print and complete the proxy pick up form.

Please note, the Chicago Theater's policy is that all children who have reached their second birthday require a ticket to gain admittance to The Chicago Theatre. Any child who has yet to reach their second birthday does not require a ticket, however, they may not occupy their own seat and must sit on a parent's or guardian's lap.