Graduating Students

University Commencement

The Columbia University Commencement ceremony of the 271st academic year will take place on
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

School Ceremonies

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.

Regalia

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 order.

OTHER UNIVERSITY CELEBRATIONS

In addition to University Commencement and each school's ceremony, there are a variety of other celebrations organized within the University for graduating students and their families. 

The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career from Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College.

Multicultural and Affinity Graduation Celebrations, organized by our undergraduate students with campus partners, allow graduates to celebrate the cultural intersections in their lives and honor the communities to which they belong. These celebrations are open to anyone in the Columbia community who wants to celebrate a particular culture or group.

The Commissioning Ceremony for graduates as they matriculate from their Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program and become commissioned officers in the United States Military.

GRADUATION CHECKLIST

This checklist will help you prepare for graduation. If you need additional information, please email the Commencement Office at [email protected].

To be considered for a degree or certificate and to obtain a diploma, you must file an application with your school or department. If you have not already done so, please visit the website of the Office of the University Registrar.

  • Get your cap and gown! Regalia is mandatory for University Commencement. However, check with your individual schools that may have different requirements for their class day and graduation ceremonies.
    • 2025 Grad Fair dates will be announced soon. 
  • Get your cap and gown! Regalia is mandatory for University Commencement. However, check with your individual schools that may have different requirements for their class day and graduation ceremonies.
    • 2025 Grad Fair dates will be announced soon.
    • Verify your address!
      • Diplomas will only be sent when a "Diploma (DP) Address" is on file and may be updated on Student Services Online (SSOL) under "Degree Application Status". 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 more than eight weeks after graduation.
      • For Barnard College graduates, use my.barnard.edu and submit your diploma address through the graduation application.
      • For Teachers College graduates, use my.tc.columbia.edu to update your diploma mailing address under Student Resources.
    • Check your name for your diploma!
      • Check your name as it appears on Vergil, your full legal name will be printed on your diploma unless you inform the Registrar’s Office otherwise.
      • Please contact [email protected] if you require any of the following: 
        • If you would like to use your preferred/chosen name on Vergil to be printed only on your diploma and not changed system-wide.
        • If your name on Vergil does not display as you would like it presented on the diploma.
        • If you would like to abbreviate or remove your middle name from your record.
        • If you would like to include any diacritical or accent marks to your name, for diploma use only.
      • Fill out a Name Change Affidavit to make system-wide changes to your first or last name (transcript, diplomas, academic documents, etc.)
    • Register to participate in the Baccalaureate Service
    • Get your cap and gown! Regalia is mandatory for University Commencement. However, check with your individual schools that may have different requirements for their class day, graduation, or convocation ceremonies. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore.
    • Students, and their guests, requiring accommodations during UC or school graduation ceremonies, including graduating students whose disabilities limit their ability to walk or negotiate stairs, should contact Disability Services at [email protected] by Thursday, May 1. 
    • Verify your name and address for diploma delivery. Look above at the March 2025 section for more details. 
    • Good luck with your final exams!
    • May 21st: 
      • Review the How to Prepare for University Commencement webpage. 
        • Know your line up location. 
        • Don't leave home without it:
          • Ticket saved, loaded, and/or ready to scan.
          • CUID
          • 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).
          • 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 not be permitted to enter. All bags will be searched upon entry.
        • It's important to remember what to bring, but also think about what not to bring:
          • Obstructive or Disruptive Items
            • Balloons or sky lanterns
            • Signs, placards, or banners of any kind
            • Flags
            • Any item that obstructs views or interferes with amplified sound
            • Noise-making devices, including airhorns 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
        • Feeling sick? Stay home and tune in virtually.
           
      • On Commencement night, from sunset to 2:00 a.m., the Empire State Building will shine in Columbia blue to honor our graduates. Look up at the skyline and celebrate the Class of 2025 with all of New York City!

        The Empire State Building welcomes graduates to get tickets to celebrate the lighting up close on the 86th floor of the ESB's NYC Observatory Deck.
         

    If you haven’t already:

    • Verify your name and address for diploma delivery. Look above at the March 2025 section for more details. 
    • Update your information in the Alumni Directory for exclusive invitations, alumni benefits, and opportunities that you are now eligible for as a member of the Columbia Alumni Association.

    ACCESSIBILITY

    Columbia University is committed to ensuring that Commencement Week is accessible to all graduates, family, and friends. If you need an accommodation for a ceremony, please contact Disability Services.

    CREATE & SHARE YOUR STORIES

    Walk down memory lane! Who made your time at Columbia exceptional? Who are you celebrating Commencement with? Tag Columbia and use #Columbia2025

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