C O M M E N C E M E N TMAY 16 & 17, 2015

AUDITORIUM THEATRE50 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY

WWW.COLUM.EDU/COMMENCEMENTCOMMENCEMENT@COLUM.EDU

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THE HISTORIC AUDITORIUM THEATREThis year, Columbia’s Commencement ceremonies will take place at the beautiful and historic Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL. This venue has a stunning atmosphere, abundant seating and is conveniently located near hotels and parking. Columbia College Chicago and The Auditorium Theatre partner each year to welcome you to our Open House event. Now the circle is complete as you walk across the Auditorium Theatre stage at your Commencement ceremony.

CONGRATULATIONS!YOU’VE MADE IT!

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You’ve just spent the last few years at Columbia College Chicago preparing for the future and now it’s time to step into that future and make it happen! We’re here to help you through this process, and keep you organized every step of the way.

GRADUATION CHECKLISTYou are ready to graduate! Now what? Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and celebratory culmination of your Columbia student experience.

PREPARE TO GRADUATE - COLUM.EDU/GRADUATIONCHECKLISTApply for undergraduate graduationMaster’s Degree students’ application (visit Graduate Student Support) Degree Audit (check your loop mail one day after completion of your graduation application)Visit College Advising (bring your audit)SFS Exit Counseling (required for students with loans)Attend one of the Graduation Expos (November or March)

PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER - COLUM.EDU/PORTFOLIOCENTERUpdate your resumeStart or update your Talent Pool profile and websiteSchedule a portfolio reviewWatch for updates about Portfolio Day and other eventsSet up a full-time Job Agent on ColumbiaWorksCraft your job search strategy

MANIFEST - COLUM.EDU/MANIFESTContact your department Manifest liaisonPrepare for your exhibition/showcase/reading/etc.Senior Procession - Great Convergence (Friday, May 15, 11:30 a.m., Haus, 623 S. Wabash)Party (Friday, May 15, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Metro Chicago)

COMMENCEMENT - COLUM.EDU/COMMENCEMENTOrder tickets (beginning in March online)Order invitations, announcements and commencement memorabiliaPick up ticketsPick up cap & gown (refer back to your graduation application)Email commencement@colum.edu with questions

CEREMONY SCHEDULE

Advertising & Public RelationsCreative Arts TherapiesCreative Writing Humanities, History, and Social Sciences: Cultural StudiesEducation EnglishInterdisciplinary Arts Journalism

Audio Arts & AcousticsDanceRadioScience and MathematicsTelevisionTheatre

Business & Entrepreneurship Fashion StudiesInteractive Arts & Media

Cinema Art + Science Photography

Art + DesignASL - English InterpretationMusic

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 10:00 A.M.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1:30 P.M.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 5:00 P.M.

SUNDAY, MAY 17TH, 2:00 P.M.

SUNDAY, MAY 17TH, 5:30 P.M.

Undergraduate Ceremony

Graduate Ceremony

COMMENCEMENT GUIDEHOW DO I PREPARE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT?All graduates who plan to participate in their Commencement ceremony should monitor their loopmail accounts regularly for announcements and updates about Commencement procedures. If you would like to ask questions about Commencement, you may email commencement@colum.edu.

IS THERE A FEE FOR GRADUATION?A graduation fee of $150 will be placed on your Columbia financial account. This non-refundable fee covers the cost of your cap and gown, diploma cover, diploma, and the Commencement Ceremony; whether you attend or not.

HOW DO I CHANGE MY GRADUATION DATE?Submit a new application in Oasis. You will not be charged a second time.

WHAT INFORMATION DO GRADUATE MASTER’S DEGREE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMMENCEMENT?For more information on Graduate Commencement please visit Graduate Student Support at colum.edu/graduate.

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. Graduation caps are on size fits all.

WHEN IS CAP AND GOWN DISTRIBUTION?Cap and gown distribution will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12th and 13th, 2015 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. at The Court (731 S. Plymouth Court). Also, don't forget to fill out your Alumni card at alumni.colum.edu.

IS COMMENCEMENT A TICKETED EVENT?Yes. Each graduate will receive six (6) tickets. There are no extra tickets available. As a graduate, you do not need a ticket for yourself.

HOW DO I RESERVE MY COMMENCEMENT TICKETS?On March 2, our Commencement ticket portal will open and you will be able to reserve up to 6 guest tickets.

WHEN CAN I PICK UP MY TICKETS?Ticket Distribution will take place on April 13th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and April 14th from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. The location for both days is 1104 S. Wabash, Conaway Center, 1st floor.

IF I CANNOT MAKE THOSE PICK-UP DATES/TIMES, WHAT SHOULD I DO?You may send a representative to pick up your tickets at Ticket Distribution. Please print and complete the proxy pick-up form at colum.edu/commencement and have your representative bring the form to Ticket Distribution. After the 14th, your tickets may be picked up from the Records Office, 600 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 611.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO PICK UP MY COMMENCEMENT TICKETS?You will need to bring your student I.D. and sign for your tickets in order to claim them. Tickets cannot be mailed, and there is no will call.

HOW LONG IS EACH CEREMONY?Each ceremony will last approximately two hours.

DO I GET MY DIPLOMA AT THE CEREMONY?You will only receive your diploma cover when you cross the stage at Commencement.

HOW DO I GET MY DIPLOMA?You are responsible for picking up your own diploma after Commencement. Effective immediately, diploma ordering and pick-up/distribution for the fall 2014 graduating class will be facilitated through the Records Office, 600 S. Michigan Avenue, 6th floor, 312.369.7769. For undergraduate students who graduated prior to fall 2014, the Office of Degree Evaluation will continue to distribute them until all diplomas can be relocated to the Records Office. Spring 2015 graduates will be able to pick up their diplomas in the Records Office by mid-summer, 2015.

You may request to have your diploma mailed to you domestically for $7.00 or internationally for $45.00. Diplomas will only be issued once academic and financial obligations have been satisfied. Please contact The Office of Degree Evaluation at 312.369.7923 or the Records Office for additional information about diploma pick up.

WHERE IS THE COMMENCEMENT VENUE?This year, Columbia’s Commencement ceremonies will take place at the beautiful and historic Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY CEREMONY?Graduates should arrive no later than one hour before the ceremony and follow the signage to the graduate staging area. Specific information about the entrance location for graduates will be communicated soon. Guests can enter the Auditorium Theatre at 50 E. Congress Parkway 45 minutes before the ceremony to enjoy Columbia’s exciting Commencement Concert, featuring our talented student music ensembles.

HOW CAN I ARRANGE FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MYSELF OR ONE OF MY GUESTS?Graduating students with special needs should contact, Marvin Cohen, Registrar at mcohen@colum.edu to arrange for assistance during the ceremony. If your guests have special needs, the ushers at the Auditorium Theatre will be ready and waiting to assist you. Please note the following additional information from the Theatre’s website:

Accessible Entrance (Wabash) The theatre’s main entrance, at 50 E. Congress, requires patrons to navigate three steps to enter the lobby. An alternative accessible entrance is located at the new Roosevelt University Building, 425 S. Wabash Ave, allowing patrons to access the main floor of the theatre without the need to navigate any steps. This entrance is open at all times. The theatre is open to the public and is staffed by a Customer Service Representative who will help patrons locate their seats.

Accessible Washrooms Two (2) accessible unisex washrooms are located on the main floor for patrons who cannot navigate a flight of stairs down to the main washrooms located in the lower level lobby. Additional accessible washrooms, including a family washroom, are located on the third floor.

HOW CAN I GET MY GRADUATION PHOTOS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OTHER MEMORABILIA?Your graduation photos will be taken by GradImages at the Auditorium Theatre as you cross the stage. After the ceremony, you may visit their website and purchase your photo package. There will also be opportunities for you to sit for a formal portrait at the spring semester Grad Expo and Cap and Gown Distribution. If you would like to order personalized printed announcements, class rings, or other items, visit the Jostens website at jostens.com. Columbia will provide a digital announcement for you to download featuring the official Commencement photograph. These announcements will be available on the Commencement website under the link for Graduation Memorabilia.

WHAT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE TO THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE? • CTA RED LINE (95th – Howard): Go to the Jackson stop (Jackson & State). Exit onto Van Buren, walk one block east to Wabash. Go south on Wabash to Congress Parkway.

• CTA BROWN LINE (Loop/Kimball) ELEVATED: Go to the Adams stop (Adams & Wabash). Walk south to Congress Parkway. (Or to Library (State and Van Buren); walk south one block to Congress Parkway and East to Wabash).

• CTA BLUE LINE (O’Hare/Forest Park/Cermak): Go to the LaSalle stop (LaSalle & Congress). Walk south to Congress Parkway.

• Visit www.transitchicago.com for more information on Chicago Transit Authority or call (888-968-7282).

• Visit rtachicago.org for more information on RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) Metra, Pace and CTA or call (312) 836-7000. For TTY call (312) 836-4949.

WHAT ARE DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE?• From Lake Shore Drive NorthTake Lake Shore Drive south towards Grant Park. Turn right at Jackson Blvd. Make a left on Michigan Avenue and continue to Congress Parkway. Turn right (west) on Congress. The theatre is on the right side of Congress just west of Michigan Avenue.

• From Lake Shore Drive SouthTake Lake Shore Drive north past Soldier Field. Turn left at Balbo Dr. To reach the Grant Park South Garage, take the second right onto Michigan Avenue and continue north. Otherwise, continue on Balbo to State Street; take a right onto State Street and then a right onto Congress. The theatre is on the right side of Congress just west of Michigan Avenue.

• Directions from the North SuburbsTake the Edens Expressway (I-94) to the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) south to the Congress Parkway exit. Take Congress Parkway east to the corner of Congress Parkway and Wabash Avenue. The theatre is on the left side of Congress just east of Wabash.

• Directions from the Northwest SuburbsTake the I-90 south to the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94). Continue on the Kennedy to the Congress Parkway exit. Take Congress Parkway

east to the corner of Congress Parkway and Wabash Avenue. The theatre is on the left side of Congress just east of Wabash.

• Directions from the South SuburbsTake the Dan Ryan Expressway, I-90/94 north to the Lake Shore Drive exit (I-55 east). Take the Lake Shore Drive North exit and follow Lake Shore Drive north to Balbo Drive. Make the second right (Michigan Avenue) and continue to Congress Parkway. The theatre is on the right side of Congress just west of Michigan Avenue.

• Directions from the West SuburbsTake the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) east and continue on to Lake Shore Drive. Take the Lake Shore Drive North exit and follow Lake Shore Drive north to Balbo Drive. Make the second right (Michigan Avenue) and continue to Congress Parkway. The theatre is on the right side of Congress just west of Michigan Avenue.

• Alternatively, take the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) east. The Eisenhower Expressway becomes Congress Parkway when you enter the city. Continue on Congress Parkway east to the corner of Congress Parkway and Wabash Avenue. The theatre is on the left side of Congress just east of Wabash.

WHAT PARKING LOTS ARE NEARBY AND WHAT ARE THE PRICE RANGES?Please note: parking rates are subject to change.

Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan)0 – 90 minutes: $2190 – 120 minutes: $26120 minutes – 8 hours: $318 – 24 hours: $35

Loop Auto Parks (524 S. Wabash)0 – 2 hours: $82 – 6 hours: $116 – 10 hours: $1524 hours: $25

Printers Square Garage (75 W. Harrison)0 – 20 minutes: $621 – 40 minutes: $1241 – 60 minutes: $151 – 2 hours: $212 – 12 hours: $2412 – 24 hours: $32

DOES COLUMBIA RECOMMEND ANY SPECIFIC HOTELS?Listed below are several hotels in the downtown area. We recommend you make your reservations as soon as possible. There will be heavy demand for hotel rooms during the time of our Commencement ceremony, due to the Restaurant Association Show. Traditional Columbia discounted rates may not apply; however, feel free to ask when you make your reservations, in case circumstances allow for discounts.

Hotel Blake500 S. DearbornChicago, IL 60605Reservations: (312) 986-1234

Club Quarters111 West Adams St.Chicago, IL 60603

Blackstone Hotel636 S. Michigan Ave.Chicago, IL 60605Reservations: (312) 447-0955

IF I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?Students indicate whether or not they will participate in the Commencement ceremony when they apply for graduation. If you choose not to participate, there is no formal procedure to withdraw, simply do not attend.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN MANIFEST?Visit the new Manifest website colum.edu/manifest in the spring semester for information on how to participate. Look for the link in your loopmail account soon!

HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED AFTER I GRADUATE?Join the alumni network at alumni.colum.edu.

Palmer House Hilton17 East MonroeChicago, IL 60605Reservations: (877) 865-5321

Residence Inn by Marriott201 E. Walton PlaceChicago, IL 60605Reservations: (312) 943-9800

Homewood Suites by Hilton40 E. Grand Ave.Chicago, IL 60605Reservations: (312) 644-2222

Best Western Grant Park1100 S. Michigan Ave.Chicago, IL 60605Reservations: (312) 922-2900

The Blackstone Renaissance Hotel819 S. Wabash Ave.Chicago, IL 60605Reservations: (312) 765-0536

Hotel Sax Chicago333 N. DearbornChicago, IL 60610Reservations: (312) 245-0333

CONGRATULATIONS!YOU’VE MADE IT!