The main campus hosts commencement ceremonies at the end of the Fall 16-week semester and the Spring 16-week semester. These ceremonies are held in the Southwell Complex Gymnasium on the historic Columbia College campus in Columbia, Missouri.
The ceremonies last approximately 75 minutes. Each ceremony is open to all master's, bachelor's and associate degree candidates who register and meet the eligibility requirements. Students graduating from our Evening Campus, Lake of the Ozarks, Rolla, Jefferson City and Springfield venues also participate in the Main Campus ceremonies. Students can learn more about requirements and eligibility for the ceremonies on the student info page.
Want to be part of a campus tradition? Register for or learn more about the Ivy Chain 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accessibility is important at Columbia College.
Graduates and guests are encouraged to complete the Accommodations Request Form a minimum of 10 days prior to the ceremony. Please contact Student Accessibility Resources with any questions. If you or your party has any access needs, ushers stationed inside the Southwell Complex will be happy to guide you.
Accessible parking is available in multiple places around the venue. Note: After the ceremony, roads around Southwell Complex will be blocked for pedestrian traffic. Review our campus map for parking and directions.
Wheelchairs will not be provided at the venue. Those requiring a wheelchair are encouraged to contact a local private rental service. Contact Student Accessibility Resources for a list of local providers.
Columbia College offers an American Sign Language interpreter at each commencement. Please complete the Accommodations Request Form for reserved seating. Assisted listening devices are also available.
The Cougar Café is located in the Atkins Holman Student Commons and will be open from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The café has a variety of made-to-order deli-style sandwiches, chips, salads and Starbucks coffee.
A concession stand is located in the Southwell Complex (site of the commencement ceremonies) and will open one hour prior to each ceremony and remain open during the ceremony. The selection for this event is limited to water, soda and candy bars.
The Cougar Team Store is located at the entrance of Southwell complex offering a nice variety of Cougar apparel & gift items. The Team Store will open one hour before ceremonies and remain open thirty minutes after the ceremonies.
The Columbia College Bookstore is located in the Atkins-Holman Student Commons and will be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Bookstore offers a wide variety of gifts and clothing for Alumni and families. You may also visit the Bookstore website to see additional products offered.
The Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) has alumni merchandise available for purchase online . The CCAA offers a variety of alumni apparel and gifts. All proceeds support the Alumni Association.
GradImages®, a professional photography company, will be taking student pictures during the ceremony. For more information please visit Grad Images .
Commencement Flowers, a professional floral retail service, will be on campus the day of the ceremony. Look for the kiosk at Southwell Complex. There will be a beautiful selection of fresh cut floral bouquets available for guests & graduates to purchase on site.
Engraved bricks can leave a lasting memory of your years at CC, honor a favorite faculty member, show your Cougar Pride, inspire future students with words to live by or congratulate a graduate. Bricks will be placed outside the new academic and residence hall. To get started, visit the Alumni Association giving page .
