Graduation

• Cap (Mortarboard): The traditional graduation cap worn with a tassel.
• Gown: The official academic robe worn during the Commencement ceremony.
• Tassel: The tassel worn on the cap as part of the official regalia.

The Fall 2026 graduating class will be recognized during Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, in the Gymnasium of the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus.

Directions
Webster Athletic Center (Gymnasium)
1665 Hampshire Pike
Columbia, TN 38401

Google Maps
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Campus Maps & Written Directions

General Commencement & Events Contacts
Phone: 931.540.2504
Email: graduation@columbiastate.edu
Office: Columbia Campus, Jones Student Center, Room 147

Office of Records (Intent to Graduate)
Phone: 931.540.2581
Email: records@columbiastate.edu

Advising & Degree Planning (Charger Center)
Phone: 931.540.1321
Email: ChargerCenter@columbiastate.edu

College Hours
Monday-Friday
7:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. CT

• Be tasteful.
• Lie flat on the mortarboard.
• Not include lights.
• Not extend more than 1 inch above the cap.

• Cum Laude – One gold cord
• Magna Cum Laude – Two gold cords
• Summa Cum Laude – Three gold cords

SEATING

There are no tickets required. All seating is in the bleachers with the exception of a few limited Special Seating (See below). Guests may seat themselves on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to safety hazards, baby strollers are not allowed. If a baby stroller is necessary, it must be left in the Wellness Center at your own risk.   

Once the Gymnasium reaches capacity, guests will be directed to the Ledbetter Auditorium, which is in the Frank G. Clement Building on the Columbia campus across from the Webster Athletic Center Gymnasium.  Guests may watch the ceremony broadcast live in our air-conditioned facility. Also, if your guest is heat sensitive, the Ledbetter Auditorium would be a better choice for them. 

CEREMONY LIVE STREAM

The Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live for family and friends who are unable to attend. As the date of commencement approaches, we will provide a link for family and friends in front of the Columbia State website.

Special Seating on the Gymnasium Floor for Guests with Disabilities

Limited disabled seating is available on the floor for individuals who cannot negotiate or have a disability that would prevent them from accessing the bleachers or stairs. Please Note: This seating area consists of folding chairs behind the graduates; therefore, visibility is somewhat limited.  Due to the limited number of seats at the floor level, only guests with special needs are allowed access.  We understand that this may cause families and guests to be separated during the ceremony and apologize for that inconvenience.  However, in order to accommodate the growing number of guests with special needs, we must ask that only those needing special seating utilize those seats.  For assistance with seating or other arrangements contact graduation@columbiastate.edu or 931.540.2504. Guests needing special accommodations will need to arrive no later than 45 minutes to guarantee seating request, and to avoid the crowds in the parking lot and wellness center.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please feel free to bring your cameras to take photos. The aisles need to remain clear at all times, especially during the processional and recessional. Graduates will be photographed as they cross the stage and shake hands with the President and once again after they exit the stage. Graduation photographs will be made available on our webpage.

Parking and Drop-Off Location

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Your safety is our first priority.  As you arrive, you will be greeted upon entry by security personnel who will conduct a speedy inspection of all bags, purses, and containers you may have with you. For safety and courtesy, none of the following items will be allowed inside or outside during the Commencement Ceremony.

• Balloons, blow-up items, beach balls, inflatables
• Glass containers, vases, or bottles
• Silly string or aerosol cans of any kind
• Illegal substances of any kind
• Laser pens or pointers
• Lawn chairs or portable seating
• Alcohol of any kind
• Fireworks or incendiary devices including party/confetti poppers
• Offensive signs or banners or signs or banners over 8.5” X 11”
• Weapons or other threatening objects of any kind (including spiked jewelry or chains)
• Pets (other than service animals)
• Water guns, spray bottles, or misters
• Drones or any type of UAV
• Remote control devices of any kind
• Airsoft products
• Facial masks of any type
• Mace or pepper spray
• Musical instruments
• Any other item deemed unacceptable by Columbia State Security or Staff

There is no charge for regalia for graduates. When you complete your Intent to Graduate, you will provide your height and weight so the College can order the appropriate gown size.

Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements. Degrees are officially conferred after final academic requirements have been reviewed and approved.

Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates your academic achievement.

Yes. The Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends who cannot attend in person.

A livestream link will be posted on the Columbia State website as Commencement approaches.