Commencement
Graduation is a rite of passage at every university. But at the College of Charleston, spring commencement is truly a one-of-a-kind event – a quintessentially Southern tradition that bonds generations of CofC alumni and creates indelible memories in an iconic setting. Clad in white dinner jackets and dresses, and regalia for our masters' candidates, graduating students each May process to the stage for one of the most visually stunning commencement ceremonies in the country.
To accommodate safety protocols, there will be five commencement ceremonies May 6-8. All ceremonies will require social distancing and face coverings.
Spring 2021 Commencement will be May 6, 7, and 8.
Ceremonies will be held in two outdoor locations and live-streamed on CofC Facebook. Please read commencement information for details about each ceremony, including arrival and parking information.
Thursday, May 6 Ceremony at College of Charleston Patriots Point Soccer Stadium (with in-person guests)
- 2:00 PM ET - Ceremony with all seven schools participating
Friday, May 7 Ceremonies in the Cistern Yard (with satellite locations for guests)
- 2:00 PM ET - Ceremony for School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- 6:00 PM ET- Ceremony for the Graduate School; School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs and School of Sciences and Mathematics
Saturday, May 8 Ceremonies in the Cistern Yard (with satellite locations for guests)
- 9:00 AM ET - Ceremony for School of Business
- 1:00 PM ET - Ceremony for School of the Arts and School of Education, Health, and Human Performance
- 4:00 PM ET - Ceremony for all seven schools for anyone who changes their participation selection to Cistern Yard or elects to participate in Cistern Yard after 12:00 PM ET, March 31 (students who apply to graduate for the first time will still be placed in one of the above ceremonies)
(Sunday, May 9 (times TBD) will be the make-up date for any weather-impacted ceremonies from May 6 to 8)