FAQs
General
Graduation/Class Day/school ceremony:
"Graduation" is the term for completing your course of study at the University and fulfilling the requirements for your degree. To graduate and obtain your diploma, you 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.
Please note, these events are organized separately by individual schools, take place at various times and locations across the city, and may require tickets. Although the Commencement website is updated regularly, please confirm all dates, times, and locations with your school before making final plans, as details may change.
Any questions not answered on this website 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 President of the University symbolically confers degrees en masse upon all candidates. This event occurs once a year in May. 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.
Please note, graduates are not individually announced and 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.
In the 2024-2025 academic year, degrees are awarded to eligible candidates for all schools in October 2024, February 2025, and April-June 2025. Every candidate whose graduation date falls during these periods is invited to participate in University Commencement.
Columbia University is committed to making its ceremonies accessible to all guests. Disability Services coordinates accessibility efforts for Commencement Day, as well as individual school ceremonies and the Baccalaureate Service.
Throughout the week’s activities, Disability Services staff, Commencement Event Staff, and Public Safety officers will be on hand to assist graduates and guests with disabilities.
For more information about Class Day and School Ceremonies, please contact your individual school or Disability Services.
A webcast of the University Commencement ceremonies will be available on the Commencement website for live, online viewing, as well as after the ceremonies.
In addition to University Commencement, webcasts of the individual school ceremonies will also be available for viewing on the Commencement website. Please note, videos of past ceremonies are available for viewing via the Commencement website. There are no DVDs or downloadable copies available for purchase.
By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your School Ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these recordings may be shared publicly and 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 School Ceremonies.
Tickets will be required and checked at designated entrance gates. All guests over the age of three require a ticket in order to access the ceremony. Lost 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 a ticket, as seating is very limited.
Children are welcome at University Commencement, and those over the age of three require a ticket.
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].
Please click here for a checklist on how to prepare for University Commencement.
* It's important to remember what to bring, but also think about what not to bring. Balloons, sky lanterns, and other celebratory embellishments such as large placards, signs, or flags are not permitted at Commencement events. We hope to work together as a community to reduce waste, avoid potential tree entanglements, and provide an unobstructed and positive experience for all our graduates and guests. Prohibited items include: outside food or drinks; glass bottles; pets or animals (certified service animals are allowed); clothing deemed obscene or offensive; weapons of any kind, firearms, and knives; laser pointers; pepper spray/mace; lighters or matches; balloons, signs, posters, banners, flyers, or any items that could obstruct the view of guests and graduates; flags or flag posts; amplified sound items and noisemaking devices including cowbells and airhorns; and any item that may interfere with and/or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests.
All events are rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, more information will be provided.
Commencement is traditionally held on the third Wednesday in May. The date is selected and confirmed by the University Senate and publicized on the academic calendar on the University Registrar's website.
All Commencement dates are subject to change. Please contact the Commencement Office with any questions.
- May 21, 2025
- May 20, 2026
- May 19, 2027
- May 17, 2028
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.
Tickets
All graduating students who wish to participate in University Commencement must register for their tickets online for themselves and their guests. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests directly.
All guests must have tickets for entry. Tickets will be checked at designated entrance gates. All guests over the age of three require a ticket.
Non-graduating students and employees with a CUID should not expect to attend the ceremony without a ticket.
Lost tickets will not be replaced.
Ticket requirements vary for the individual school ceremonies, including Class Day and graduations. Please reference School Ceremonies for further details regarding tickets and/or reach out to your school contact.
Ticket requirements vary for the individual school ceremonies, including Class Day and graduations. Please reference School Ceremonies for further details regarding tickets. For University Commencement, check back for more details.
Graduating students will receive a notification from their individual school with instructions for registration and ticket reservations for University Commencement and school ceremonies.
All graduating students who wish to participate in University Commencement are required to register for their tickets online, for themselves and their guests. When you become eligible to register, you will receive an email with the link to the ticket platform with instructions on how to complete registration and request tickets for your guests.
Every guest must present a ticket to access the University Commencement ceremonies.
Ticket requirements vary for the individual school ceremonies, including Class Day and graduations. Please reference School Ceremonies for further details regarding tickets and reach out to the school contact listed on their page.
Selling Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited. Please be cautious of offers to sell or buy Commencement tickets. Tickets hold no official resale value and may be unauthorized copies, therefore deemed unusable and denied on Commencement Day. Commencement tickets are solely for the purpose of allowing the friends and relatives of graduating students to attend the ceremony.
Ticket requirements vary for the individual school ceremonies, including Class Day and graduations. Please reference School Ceremonies for further details regarding tickets and reach out to the school contact listed on their page.
The Commencement Office is not able to replace lost tickets or provide additional tickets in advance or on Commencement Day.
You may appeal to your school if you have extenuating circumstances and require extra tickets. Please note, additional tickets are not guaranteed. To find the appropriate contact, visit School Ceremonies.
When you become eligible to register for University Commencement, you will receive an email with the link to the ticketing website with instructions on how to complete registration and request tickets for you and your guests.
If you receive an error indicating you are not registered, please reach out to your individual school contact to verify your eligibility.
For further assistance, visit University Commencement Tickets & Registration or contact us at [email protected].
All guests over the age of three must have a ticket to attend University Commencement.
For Graduates
How should I prepare?
Don't leave home without it! And don’t forget to inform your guests about what they should bring.
- Cap and gown
- Graduate ticket saved, loaded, and ready to scan
- Identification (e.g. CUID, license, passport, etc.)
- Pre-filled, reusable water bottle.
- Prepare for inclement weather.
- Wear comfortable footwear, heels are not recommended.
- Fully charged phone (and maybe even an external battery).
- Pack light! Bags, backpacks, and purses larger than 5x7 inches are not permitted. All guests will be subject to bag check at entry.
- Feeling sick? Stay home and tune in virtually.
- Direct your guest to plan their visit.
* It's important to remember what to bring, but also think about what not to bring. Balloons, sky lanterns, and other celebratory embellishments such as large placards, signs, or flags are not permitted at Commencement events. We hope to work together as a community to reduce waste, avoid potential tree entanglements, and provide an unobstructed and positive experience for all our graduates and guests. Prohibited items include: outside food or drinks; glass bottles; pets or animals (certified service animals are allowed); clothing deemed obscene or offensive; weapons of any kind, firearms, and knives; laser pointers; pepper spray/mace; lighters or matches; balloons, signs, posters, banners, flyers, or any items that could obstruct the view of guests and graduates; flags or flag posts; amplified sound items and noisemaking devices including cowbells and airhorns; and any item that may interfere with and/or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests.
Regalia is mandatory for University Commencement. However, individual schools may have different requirements for their class day and graduation ceremonies. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore. Check with your individual school on regalia requirements and any unique instructions prior to placing your regalia order.
Visit our regalia page to learn more about requirements and the Spring Grad Fair.
For more information on academic attire, graduation announcements, class rings, and diploma frames, please call the Bookstore directly at 212-854-4132.
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.
Based on the degree conferral date for all graduates in May and June of 2025, diplomas will be mailed to the "Diploma Address" that is on file in SSOL. October 2024 and February 2025 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] to submit your story to the Commencement website.
Please check back soon for updated information.
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.
Planning Your Visit
Don't leave home without it! Here's how you can prepare for University Commencement:
- Ticket saved, loaded, and/or ready to scan.
- Identification (e.g. CUID, license, passport, etc.)
- Pre-filled, reusable water bottle.
- Prepare for inclement weather.
- Wear comfortable footwear, heels are not recommended.
- Fully charged phone (and maybe even an external battery).
- Pack light! Bags, backpacks, and purses larger than 5x7 inches are not permitted. All guests will be subject to bag check at entry.
- Feeling sick? Stay home and tune in virtually.
* It's important to remember what to bring, but also think about what not to bring. Balloons, sky lanterns, and other celebratory embellishments such as large placards, signs, or flags are not permitted at Commencement events. We hope to work together as a community to reduce waste, avoid potential tree entanglements, and provide an unobstructed and positive experience for all our graduates and guests. Prohibited items include: outside food or drinks; glass bottles; pets or animals (certified service animals are allowed); clothing deemed obscene or offensive; weapons of any kind, firearms, and knives; laser pointers; pepper spray/mace; lighters or matches; balloons, signs, posters, banners, flyers, or any items that could obstruct the view of guests and graduates; flags or flag posts; amplified sound items and noisemaking devices including cowbells and airhorns; and any item that may interfere with and/or distract graduation speakers, graduates, or guests.
There are a variety of options for off-campus accommodations during Commencement Week. Discounted rates may be available to Columbia University students and guests at some local hotels upon inquiry. Hotels fill up well in advance, so it is recommended that you make your reservation as soon as possible. There are numerous hotels in New York City, many of which are only a short subway ride from the University.
Please see Parking & Directions for more information.
Parking is challenging and on-campus parking is not available to the general public during Commencement season. Public transportation, such as a subway, bus, or taxi, is recommended. If you must drive, please leave plenty of time to find parking and allow time for walking to campus. There are only a few parking garages near campus that fill up quickly and cannot be counted on for convenient parking.
For guests that require a lactation room, please visit Carman Hall Lactation Lounge, 1st floor foyer.
For graduates that require a lactation room please pre-arrange swipe or keycode access by contacting the Work Life office at [email protected] or (212) 854-8019.
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.
Columbia is committed to global sustainability efforts. We encourage you to bring your own reusable bottle and fill it up at any of our water refill stations. Locate water filling stations or find an Event Host, wearing a blue shirt, for assistance.
Learn more about Columbia's Green Initiatives.
Download a variety of maps and guides to help you plan your visit to campus during Commencement Week.