COMMENCEMENT 2019

TIME AND LOCATION
Sunday, June 30th at 1:00PM
Plaza del Sol Performance Center
1811 Nordhoff St. Northridge, CA 91330

PARKING
The Plaza del Sol Performance Hall is located in the University Student Union (USU) on California State University, Northridge campus. It is recommended that visitors park in the G3 parking structure, with access to the campus at Zelzah Avenue and Prairie St. Parking permits for vehicles are $8/permit and can be purchased at Information Booth 3 (Prairie St.) or at any of the self-pay stations located in the G3 structure. Way-finding signage will be placed North of the structure towards the University Student Union (USU).

REHEARSAL ‐ 12:00PM
All walking graduates must check in between 11:00AM-11:30AM and participate in the mandatory 12:00PM rehearsal at the venue before the ceremony, and any other scheduled rehearsal communicated by the college’s Student Life Coordinator. Graduates that do not attend rehearsal(s) will not be permitted to walk in the ceremony.

COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPATION
To participate in the commencement ceremony you must complete and submit the June 2019 Commencement Registration Form by Friday, March 15, 2019To register for the June 2019 Commencement Ceremony please click here: June 2019 Commencement Registration Form.

CEREMONY REMINDER
Out of respect for our graduates and guests, all graduates are required to stay for the entire ceremony. The ceremony should not exceed 2 hours.

CONDUCT AND ATTIRE
Carefully iron your commencement gown or put it on a hanger several days before the ceremony, so that wrinkles will not be visible.

• The Dress code is Business Casual.
• No flip flops, sandals, shorts, or sunglasses.
• Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent mode.
• If you buy new shoes, practice walking in them before the ceremony.
• Please be courteous during the ceremony.
• Guests are asked to cooperate with school officials throughout the ceremony in order to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
• Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal narcotics, or non‐prescription drugs prohibited during the event. Any violation of this policy will disqualify a graduate from participation in the Commencement ceremony.

If we determine your conduct or attire does not represent the College’s standards and policies you may be removed from the venue and denied permission to participate further in the ceremony.

COMMENCEMENT REGALIA (CAP AND GOWN)
Caps and gowns are yours to keep after the ceremony. Caps and gowns will be ordered pursuant to the receipt of the June 2019 Commencement Registration Form.

TICKETS
Tickets are required for entry into the Commencement Ceremony.

Graduates who submit the June 2019 Commencement Registration Form by Friday, March 15, 2019, will receive four (4) complimentary commencement ceremony tickets.

Once all tickets have been distributed, the remaining tickets will be released.

DISTRIBUTION OF REGALIA AND TICKETS
Students will be notified by email when cap & gowns, along with tickets are ready.

DIPLOMAS
Graduates will NOT be receiving diplomas at the Commencement ceremony.

PHOTOGRAPHY
A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate during the Commencement ceremony. Photos will be made available to students, shortly after the ceremony.

SEATING
Guest seating is not assigned and will be on a first available basis.

COMMENCEMENT ELIGIBILITY
All units must be completed by end of the Fall 2019 Quarter in order to walk in the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you would like to make a hotel reservation, the Warner Center Marriott – Woodland Hills, is offering a special rate for Columbia College Hollywood.

If you would like to book a reservation, please call 818‐877‐4800 and ask for the corporate rate for Columbia College Hollywood rate. You can also book directly here.

INTERNATIONAL F‐1 STUDENTS
If you need a letter from the College to verify your expected graduation date so that you may invite family from abroad, please contact the Registrar.

Optional Practical Training (OPT ‐ AFTER GRADUATION)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to F‐1 students who are currently in legal status and have been for at least nine consecutive months. OPT allows you to work up to 12 months anywhere in the U.S. in a field related to your major and does not require proof of employment. Only one 12‐ month period of time is granted during your entire academic career as an F‐1 student in the U.S.

Make an appointment to see your International Student Advisor at the start of your last quarter in attendance. Applications for OPT can be submitted 120 days before completion of your studies. Since the application process may take up to 90 days and employment cannot begin until you have received an Employment Authorization Card, we recommend that you apply early.

60‐day grace period after finishing program or after finishing OPT

If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot re-enter unless you have a written job offer.

If you require more information, please email commencement@columbiacollege.edu.