Faculty & Staff

Participate in the University Commencement Academic Procession

All Columbia University faculty and officers of administration are invited to march in the academic procession at the University Commencement ceremony. Participate in the ceremony and see the program unfold as you sit behind the stage.

Participants of the academic procession should enter campus by showing their University ID at an upper campus gate, no later than 10:00 a.m. on the morning of University Commencement. The designated area of assembly for the procession is Low Memorial Library. The academic procession will follow the degree candidate procession at around 10:15 a.m., formally beginning the University Commencement ceremony.

Full academic attire is required and should be coordinated with each individual school. Learn more about regalia requirements and the history of University Commencement.

Registration to be announced.

Volunteer

Celebrate the community! Faculty and officers of administration can volunteer at a variety of events during Commencement week, especially on Commencement Day. Please visit the Volunteer page for more information.

Ticket Information

If you would like to request tickets for school ceremonies, including Class Days or graduation ceremonies, please contact the individual school.

Space for the University Commencement ceremony is extremely limited and seats on campus are reserved for ticket holders and degree candidates only. Tickets are not required to participate in academic procession. Please email the Commencement Office to request your ticket to attend as a guest.

Navigating Campus

Movement around campus will be restricted during Commencement Week.

On the morning of Commencement Day, all faculty and staff must show a University ID to enter campus, including those participating in the academic procession. Temporary staff members must have a photo ID and a printed letter on Columbia University stationery authorizing campus access. Please reference Campus Maps to navigate campus during Commencement Day.

For those planning to drive or park near campus during Commencement Week, please note that many streets surrounding the Morningside campus will be closed to both traffic and parking by the New York City Police Department.

Columbia University is committed to making the events and activities of Commencement Week accessible to all guests. Disability Services coordinates these efforts for all individual school ceremonies, the Baccalaureate Service, and University Commencement.