Baccalaureate Service
The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith celebration of undergraduate commencement. Service highlights include hymns, musical selections, readings, and reflections by students from diverse faith traditions. The ceremony features a procession that includes undergraduate degree candidates from Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College.
All undergraduate degree candidates and their guests are invited to attend.
Ceremony Details
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Location: St. Paul's Chapel | Morningside Campus (117th St. and Amsterdam Avenue)
Ceremony Website: https://religiouslife.columbia.edu/baccalaureate
Contact:
Religious Life Team
[email protected]
212-854-2184
Tessa McGowan
[email protected]
212-854-5714
Student Speakers
Student Musical Groups
- Bach Society
- Clefhangers
- CU Sur
- Gospel Choir
- Pizmon
History
The Baccalaureate Service is believed to have originated at Oxford University in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic exercise. This historical British practice continued with the earliest universities in this country, which were founded primarily to educate ministers. Columbia University began this tradition in 1897 and the ceremony continues today as an interfaith, intercultural service celebrating each undergraduate's academic career.
Watch previous ceremonies here.
Accessibility
Columbia University is committed to ensuring that all Commencement activities are accessible to all graduates and guests. Closed captions, a full transcript of the ceremony, and a downloadable PDF program will be available above.
If you have any questions, please contact Disability Services.
This service is coordinated jointly by the Earl Hall Center for Religious Life and University Ceremonies. Learn more about the Office of Religious Life and the Baccalaureate Service.
