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Graduate playing guitar and singing on the stage during the commencement ceremony.

Main Campus Ceremonies

As we approach the conclusion of both the Fall and Spring 16-week semesters, it's time to celebrate the hard-earned success of our graduates with commencement ceremonies at the main campus. These events, a testament to your dedication and perseverance, are held in the Southwell Complex Gymnasium on the historic Columbia College campus located in Columbia, Missouri. Each ceremony, lasting for about 75 minutes, is a tribute to your academic journey.

We extend a warm invitation to all eligible students who are prospective recipients of master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees. This includes students from our Evening Campus, Lake of the Ozarks, Rolla, Jefferson City, and Springfield venues, who are also welcomed to join the Main Campus ceremonies.

Please note, the deadline for the main campus commencement ceremony registration is approximately two months prior to the ceremony. The slots for each ceremony are limited, so we highly recommend early sign-up.

Let's come together to honor your hard work, late-night studies, and the countless sacrifices that have led you to this moment. Your achievement is our shared joy. Congratulations, graduates, on reaching this significant milestone in your academic journey!

Questions? Email CeremonyConfirmation@CCIS.edu or call (573) 875-7526.

Historical image of women students dressed in gowns celebrating the Ivy Chain ceremony.

Ivy Chain Ceremony

Ivy Chain is a longstanding tradition at Columbia College, first taking place in 1900, with the chain of ivy drapes each senior, knitting us to our college. As the ivy's cut, it symbolizes our shared bond. It also includes traditions like sending rose notes to underclass friends. Participation in Ivy Chain is free and the ceremony starts at 3 p.m., with indoor arrangements in case of rain. Register for the Ivy Chain Ceremony
Graduate receiving her pin during the nurse's pinning ceremony.

Nurses' Pinning Ceremony

Conducted on the Friday evening before the commencement ceremonies, the Nurses' Pinning Ceremony is a traditional event marking students' transition from nursing school to nursing practice. Approximately 30 students participate in this unique event each year, which normally lasts one hour and is held in Launer Auditorium.

Date and Time   Location
Date: April 26, 2024   Launer Auditorium
Time: 6:30p.m.  

Questions? Email nursing@ccis.edu or call (573) 875-7220.

Accessibility

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available in multiple places around the venue. Note: After the ceremony, roads around Southwell Complex will be blocked for pedestrian traffic.

Campus Map

Wheelchair Needs

Wheelchairs will not be provided at the venue. Those requiring a wheelchair are encouraged to contact a local private rental service or our SAR office for assistance.

Student Accessibility Resources

Deaf And Hard-of-Hearing Needs

Columbia College offers an American Sign Language interpreter at each commencement.

Accommodations Request Form

Food, Gifts And Flowers

Flowers
Photography
Cougar Team Store
Concession Stand
The Commencement Flowers kiosk, located in Southwell Complex, offers beautiful selection of fresh cut floral bouquets available for purchase. GradImages®, our trusted professional photography partner, will be taking student pictures during the ceremony. The store opens an hour before and stays open for thirty minutes after ceremonies, offers a nice variety of Cougar apparel & gift items. The stand opens one hour prior to each ceremony and remain open during the ceremony, offers water, soda and candy bars for purchase.
Alumni Association
Commemorative Bricks
Bookstore
Cougar Café
The Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) has alumni merchandise available for purchase online. Engraved bricks, placed on the Quad or outside New Hall, can leave a lasting memory of your years at Columbia College The bookstore, located in the Atkins-Holman Commons, open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., offers alumni gifts and clothing options.

Visit the café in Atkins Holman Commons, open 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., for deli-style meals and Starbucks coffee.

Additional Commencement Information

Participating in the commencement ceremony is an excellent way to commemorate your accomplishments and experiences at Columbia College. Please check the information provided below to confirm your eligibility and prepare for your graduation celebration.

Fall Commencement

Students who complete their degrees in Early or Late Fall are eligible to participate in the Fall commencement ceremonies of the same year. Early Spring graduates who request to participate in the preceding year’s Fall ceremonies are allowed to do so without appeal. Early and later Summer graduates who request to participate in the Fall ceremonies of the same year are allowed to do so without appeal.

Spring Commencement

Students who complete their degrees in Early and Late Spring are eligible to participate in the Spring commencement ceremonies of the same year. Early and Late Summer graduates who request to participate in the Spring ceremony of the same year are allowed to do so without appeal.

Students Not Eligible For A Ceremony

Students with degree completion dates other than the ones described above must appeal to participate in a different ceremony from the one that they are eligible for. This appeal must be submitted prior to the deadline to order caps and gowns. For the Spring commencement ceremonies, students wishing to participate in a ceremony other than the one they are eligible for must also submit an appeal. Appeals need to be emailed to the Office of the Registrar at CeremonyConfirmation@CCIS.edu and include what they are appealing to.  

  • Sign up eight weeks prior to the ceremony
  • Submit Graduation Application (Declaration of Candidacy) form via myPortal.
  • Submit the Commencement Ceremony Application form via myPortal.
  • Affirm you receive an email from CeremonyConfirmation@CCIS.edu that either confirms that you are registered for the event or provides instructions on what you need to do to complete your registration. All confirmations will be sent out at least eight weeks prior to the ceremony date.
  • Affirm you receive participation letter and marching instructions via CougarMail.
  • Order commencement announcements via Herff Jones.
  • Contact your location or Academic Affairs to inquire about honor society cords if applicable (Latin honors will be awarded the day of the ceremony).
  • Arrive for ceremony one hour prior to ceremony start time at the Koepke Fitness Center.
  • Check in and receive name cards from commencement staff.
  • Share your photos! Use #CCMOGRAD with any Facebook, Instagram or Twitter update so we can celebrate with you!

Cap And Gown

All students wishing to participate in a main campus ceremony must order their cap and gown through the Herff Jones website. Students are responsible for the cost of their cap and gown. Students will be given the option to have their regalia shipped directly to them or to the campus location where the ceremony will be held.

The cap and gown are navy blue and the tassel is silver with a custom signet. The Masters hood’s colors are, Drab (a dull light-brown) for all degrees in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, Light Blue for all Education degrees, and Gold for all Criminal Justice degrees in the School of Public Service.

  • Main Campus ceremonies: Students can pick up their regalia at the Campus Bookstore approximately two weeks prior to commencement. Students who wish to have their regalia shipped to them are responsible for the postage costs.
  • Nationwide ceremonies: Students can pick up their regalia at the host location the week of the commencement or during check-in the day of the ceremony.

Please note that graduates must wear the cap and gown as their outerwear to participate in ceremonies. You may decorate your cap as long as the decoration does not extend past the mortarboard. You may not decorate your gown in any way. Only honors cords and approved stoles may be worn over your gown. Only regalia and Columbia College recognized honors society adornments may be worn during the ceremony. 

Only honors cords and stoles may be worn over your gown. Columbia College regalia recognized honors society adornments and other approved stoles may be worn during the ceremony.

Students who do not wish to participate in a ceremony can order regalia through the Herff Jones website and have it shipped to themselves. The student is responsible for the cost of the regalia.

Announcements

For printed announcements, please visit the Herff-Jones website to place your order. If you prefer generic announcements, please email SM789@BNCollege.com or call (573) 875-7341.

Rings

Please go to the Herff-Jones website to order class rings.

Review Commencement Regalia Policy

Tickets will not be required for the April 27th ceremonies.

From the North (Moberly)

Take Highway 63 south to the Broadway Exit. Turn right onto Broadway. Take Broadway to 10th Street. Turn right onto 10th street. Take 10th Street to Rogers Street. Columbia College will be straight ahead.

From the South (Jefferson City)

Take Highway 63 north to the Broadway Exit. Turn left onto Broadway. Take Broadway to 10th Street. Turn right onto 10th street. Take 10th Street to Rogers Street. Columbia College will be straight ahead.

From the East (St. Louis)

Take 1-70 west to Rangeline Exit. Turn left, follow Rangeline to Business Loop 70 (1st stop light). Turn left on Business Loop 70 and follow to College Avenue (1st stop light). Turn right on College and follow to Rogers Street (1st stop light). Turn right on Rogers Street and follow for two-tenths of a mile. Columbia College will be on your right.

From the West (Kansas City)

Take 1-70 east to Rangeline Exit. Turn right, follow Rangeline to Business Loop 70 (1st stop light). Turn left on Business Loop 70 and follow to College Avenue (1st stop light). Turn right on College and follow to Rogers Street (1st stop light). Turn right on Rogers Street and follow for two-tenths of a mile. Columbia College will be on your right.

For a large number of our students, the commencement ceremony is the first time they have visited Columbia College's Main Campus in Columbia, MO. The commencement campus tour provides students with the opportunity to learn the rich history of their college and tour the various facilities that have made up this institution since 1851.

Fill out the form below to reserve a campus tour for your commencement ceremony visit.

Enjoy Ease and Comfort for Your Celebratory Stay Through Columbia College's Partnership with Drury Hotels

It’s almost time to strike up the band with Pomp and Circumstance! As you arrange accommodations for family and friends to celebrate this momentous occasion, we're here to assist you with all your travel needs. Enjoy a relaxing stay with our free hot breakfast, 5:30 Kickback® featuring evening snacks and beverages, and Wi-Fi.

Book your rooms today using your dedicated university rate code:

Columbia College | 310212

Book Now

To reserve 10 or more rooms, please contact Shannon McNaul at Shannon.McNaul@druryhotels.com.

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Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them— that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.

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