FAQs

Based on the degree conferral date for all graduates in May and June of 2026, diplomas will be mailed to the "Diploma Address" that is on file in SSOL. October 2025 and February 2026 graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail up to two months following their graduation dates. Please visit the University Registrar for more information.

Diplomas will only be sent when a "Diploma (DP) Address" is on file and may be updated on Student Services Online (SSOL). It is best to use an address that is valid for more than eight weeks after graduation. Please contact [email protected] with any additional questions.

• To update your diploma address, follow these steps:
  • Log in to SSOL.
  • Go to "Degree Application Status"
  • Click "Update Diploma Address" and enter or update with an address that will be valid for more than eight weeks after graduation.

Please email the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at [email protected] or submit your story to the Commencement website.

Unless arrangements are made for summer housing, graduating Columbia College and SEAS undergraduates must move out of University housing by noon on the day after University Commencement.

On Commencement night, from sunset to 2:00 a.m., the Empire State Building will shine in Columbia blue to honor you. Celebrate the Class of 2026 with all of New York City! 

If you are inviting family or friends, the International Students and Scholars Office advise students to write their own letter as part of their visa application. Details and an adjustable letter template can be found here.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Columbia University’s International Students and Scholars Office.

Commencement season is a time to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishments of our graduates. To honor the spirit and significance of this occasion, we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. 

All participants and guests attending Commencement season event(s) understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.

We strive to create the best environment for our graduates and guests as we celebrate this momentous occasion. Columbia University has determined that a no bag policy will allow the University to continue to provide the best guest experience at Commencement and expedite entry for all guests.

Graduation/Class Day/school ceremony:

After completing a course of study at the University, to officially graduate and obtain a diploma, students must submit an Application for Degree or Certificate with the Office of the Registrar.

Each of Columbia’s nineteen schools and institutions conduct their own ceremony to honor the accomplishments of their graduating class, where each graduate has the opportunity to be announced and walk across the stage. Sometimes called Class Day, Graduation, or Convocation, these celebrations are typically smaller in size and more intimate than University Commencement.

These events are organized separately by individual schools, take place at various times and locations across the city, and require their own e-tickets. 

Any questions not answered on this website for an individual school ceremony should be directed to the contact listed for each school ceremony page. 

University Commencement

This time-honored tradition celebrates the graduates from Columbia's nineteen schools, colleges, and affiliate institutions on Commencement Day. The University President symbolically confers degrees en masse upon all candidates. Attendance is not mandatory for graduation. Graduates from the previous October as well as the candidates from the current year, February and May, are invited to participate.Graduates are not individually announced nor invited to walk across the stage at University Commencement. 

For more information, visit University Commencement. For more information about graduation and diplomas, please visit the Office of the Registrar.

The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith service for degree candidates from the undergraduate schools: Columbia College, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of General Studies, and Barnard College. Learn more here.

All events are rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, more information will be provided.

A webcast of the University Commencement ceremonies will be available on the Commencement website and will also be available for viewing shortly following the conclusion of each webcast.

If available, individual school ceremonies will be streamed live on each school’s ceremony page and archived on the Commencement video library shortly after the event. Videos of past ceremonies are available for viewing in the Video Library. There are no DVDs or downloadable copies available for purchase.

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.

Photos of University Commencement are not available for distribution or purchase. Please direct any inquiries about photos taken at any graduation ceremony directly to the individual school. Appropriate school contact information can be found on each school ceremony page.

Columbia is committed to global sustainability efforts, including during Commencement. Guests and students are encouraged to bring reusable bottles to fill at water refill stations across the Morningside Campus, as single-use plastic bottles will not be distributed. By using refill stations, Columbia will prevent the use of nearly 50,000 plastic bottles on Commencement Day alone. Clearly marked recycling bins will be available, and Columbia EcoReps will assist in sorting recyclables and compostables to minimize landfill waste. We do not use or support balloons for the celebration and offer graduate regalia made from recycled plastic.

Visit Sustainable Columbia for more information on our sustainability efforts and tips for responsible consumption. 

E-Tickets will be required and checked at designated entrance gates. All guests over the age of three require an e-ticket in order to access the ceremony. Lost e-tickets will not be replaced.

Non-graduating students and employees with a CUID may be on campus but should not expect to attend the ceremonies without an e-ticket, as seating is very limited.

Trained or in-training service animals that work to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability are welcome on campus during Commencement week and beyond, in any of the available venues on campus. For more information, please contact Disability Services at [email protected].