Spring Commencement 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Here is everything you need to know about this year's spring commencement at the College of Charleston.
This year, undergraduate and graduate degree candidates will take to the stage on Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; and Saturday, May 9, to celebrate the commencement of their time at the College of Charleston.
Below are answers to some common questions about the College of Charleston commencement ceremonies.
Student Guide to Commencement
Parent Guide to Commencement
When is Commencement?
There are four commencement ceremonies this year, with students grouped based on their academic school. There are no rehearsals this year. Each commencement will last between two and two and a half hours, beginning at the following times:
Thursday, May 7, 5 p.m. (Sottile Theatre)
- Graduate School
Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Friday, May 8, 4 p.m.
- School of the Arts
- School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs
What kind of bag can I bring?
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe and secure environment, the College of Charleston has implemented a clear bag policy for events, including commencement. Only clear bags and small, clutch-size purses are allowed. Approved bags include the following:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches; a logo no larger than 4.5 x 3.4 inches can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches – approximately the size of a hand – with or without a handle or strap
Please read our prohibited items list (which includes unapproved bags, alcohol, food, weapons and cans and bottles). Please note that the College of Charleston is a tobacco-free campus.
How many tickets will each student receive?
Each graduate will receive four tickets to the commencement ceremony in which they are walking. Tickets are ceremony specific and may not be used for any other ceremony. Tickets will be loaded directly to the graduate’s CofC email account.
There will also be satellite viewing locations where additional guests who do not have tickets can watch the ceremonies live. Tickets are not required for admission to these sites, which have air conditioning and easily accessible restrooms.
The satellite viewing location for the Graduate School ceremony on Thursday, May 7, is in room 207 of the Tate Center. The satellite locations for the undergraduate ceremonies are in room 101 of the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center and in the Simons Center Recital Hall.
How can family and friends watch commencement at home?
All ceremonies will be livestreamed on the College of Charleston YouTube page. Recordings of the ceremonies will also be archived and made available for viewing approximately four weeks after the events on the commencement website.
What if it rains?
While safety is always the top priority, the College will do everything possible to keep the ceremonies in the Cistern Yard. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, Cistern Yard ceremonies will be moved to the College’s TD Arena. Rain alone will not dictate moving the ceremony to TD Arena.
The College reserves the right to adjust the ceremony’s schedule if required by inclement weather.
Graduates will be updated via email, the commencement app (see below) and College social media channels as additional details are available. Please be prepared to adjust quickly due to changing weather conditions and to follow all instructions given during the ceremony.
Can I take photos?
Family and friends are welcome to take photos of the event, but are asked to be respectful of other guests. If you want to leave your seat to take a photo of your graduate crossing the stage, you may do so, but please quickly return to your seat so others can see their graduates cross the stage.
GradImages will provide professional photography at each ceremony. They will reach out to students after the ceremony for orders.
Where should guests park?
Graduates and guests should park in a parking garage or metered parking spots and are welcome to use alternative transportation (e.g., walk, bike, carpool, ride CARTA buses, use car services). Three public parking garages are located on or near campus. Fees apply as noted.
- George Parking Garage at 34 St. Philip Street: commencement rate of $5 prepaid to attendant (cash only)
- St. Philip Street Garage at 89 St. Philip Street: commencement rate of $5 prepaid to attendant (cash only)
- Francis Marion Garage at 399 King Street: As of publication, the hourly rate is $1 per half hour, or a portion thereof, with a daily maximum of $18. Please review all posted rates/fees at the garage entrance.
Visitors to the College of Charleston who require accessible parking should park at a meter or in a garage. Persons with a valid state-issued placard can park in a garage free of charge. Upon exiting, the driver must present their driver’s license to the cashier for verification.
What about lodging for guests who are coming from out of town?
There’s no shortage of places to stay in downtown Charleston. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront hotel like the Harborview Inn or the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront, a full-service hotel like the Charleston Marriott or a location close to campus such as the Francis Marion Hotel, the Holy City has you covered. For a full list of accommodations, visit the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Who will be speaking at the ceremonies?
The College of Charleston has chosen the following distinguished speakers to inspire and congratulate the Class of 2026 at the commencement ceremonies in the Cistern Yard.
Melissa Hughes, professor and associate chair of biology and a faculty member in the Graduate Program in Marine Biology and the Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies program, will be speaking at the Graduate School ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m.
Devon Hanahan, senior instructor of Spanish, will be speaking at the Friday morning ceremony on May 8 at 10 a.m.
Janine McCabe, CofC Stages artistic director and associate professor of costume design, will be speaking at the Friday afternoon ceremony on May 8 at 4 p.m.
Michael Bennett, founder of Bennett Hospitality, will be speaking at the Saturday morning ceremony on May 9 at 10 a.m.
Resources
Spring commencement has gone mobile! Everything you need to know – schedules, maps, reminders and more – is now at your fingertips on your iPhone/Android for free on the College of Charleston Events app. Scan the QR code, download the app here for iPhones or here for Androids, or search for CofC Events in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Commencement App
Spring commencement has gone mobile! Everything you need to know – schedules, maps, reminders and more – is now at your fingertips on your iPhone in the Apple App Store or Android for free on the College of Charleston Events app. Scan the QR code to download.
Stay Connected to the College!
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Update your info with us to stay up to date on all things College of Charleston and make sure you are in the know about alumni opportunities like Homecoming, Spring Alumni Weekend, A Charleston Affair and more!
Graduate Survey
Please scan the QR code to complete the Senior Exit Survey. This is mandatory for all graduating students. Thank you, and congratulations!
