Announcements

May 15: Travel Alert

If you're traveling from New Jersey, please be aware that the NJ Transit rail strike may cause significant disruptions and delays. We strongly encourage guests and participants to allow for extra travel time and consider alternate transportation methods to reach campus.

Please monitor local transit updates and plan accordingly to ensure timely arrival.

May 14: Prepare for Commencement Week! 

We look forward to welcoming you to campus to celebrate the Class of 2025. Commencement season is a time to celebrate our students and their accomplishments. Disruptions from audience members and interruption of speakers are not permitted. All participants and guests attending Commencement season events agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy, and Standards and Discipline. Individuals found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.

We want to work together as a community to provide a safe, positive, and unobstructed experience for all our graduates and guests. Please be aware the following items are not permitted.

  • Please note: All graduating students are required to present a Columbia University ID (CUID) for entry to Commencement Week and graduation-related events. Guests must present a valid photo ID.
  • Bags are strongly discouraged. Bags, backpacks, and purses larger than 12" x 6" x 12" are not permitted. Individuals with bags exceeding the size limit will be turned away. All bags will be searched upon entry. 
  • The following items are not permitted:
    • Obstructive or Disruptive Items
      • Signs, placards, or banners of any kind
      • Flags
      • Balloons or sky lanterns
      • Any item that obstructs views or interferes with amplified sound
      • Noise-making devices, including air horns and cowbells
      • Any item that may interfere with or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests
    • Dangerous Items
      • Weapons of any kind, including pepper spray or mace
      • Glass bottles or projectiles
      • Lighters, matches, or flammable materials
      • Sharp objects or laser pointers
      • Any other item deemed dangerous, inappropriate, or in violation of University policies

See our How to Prepare page for everything else you may need to know. 

By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your school-specific ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these photos and recordings may be shared publicly or on social media at the discretion of the University, and an archived video will be made available online for viewing after the event.

April 16: University Commencement Registration is Now Live 

Registration is now open for all eligible graduating students who wish to participate in University Commencement on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Each student must register for e-tickets for themselves and any guests over the age of three.

  • Please note that guests and graduates are seated in different locations during the University Commencement ceremony. 
  • South Lawn seating for guests is limited. Once capacity is reached, additional guest viewing locations will become available for registration.
  • Due to specific school requirements, students may become eligible to register at different times.

Learn more on the Ticketing page.

February: Exciting news! The 2025 Commencement Week Schedule of Events is now live and will be updated regularly as more details become available. Start planning your celebration by exploring the growing lineup of ceremonies, events, and activities happening across campus. Be sure to check back often so you don’t miss any updates for this unforgettable milestone. 

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎓🎉