University Commencement
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Morningside Campus
10:30 a.m. University Commencement: Graduate Ceremony
5:00 p.m. University Commencement: Undergraduate Ceremony
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 cross 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. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore. Please check with your individual school for any additional or unique instructions before placing your order.
OTHER UNIVERSITY CELEBRATIONS
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 Celebrations, organized by our undergraduate students with campus partners, allow graduates to honor the cultural intersections in their lives and recognize 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. Check with your individual schools for any additional or unique instructions before placing your order.
- The 2026 Grad Fair is Tuesday, February 17 through Friday, February 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Morningside Campus Bookstore.
- Read the March University Commencement E-Blast
- Get your cap and gown! Regalia is mandatory for University Commencement. Check with your individual schools for any additional or unique instructions before placing your order.
- 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.
- To update your diploma address, follow these steps:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Register for e-tickets to attend University Commencement and/or your School Ceremony.
- Get your cap and gown! Regalia is mandatory for University Commencement. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore. Check with your individual schools for any additional or unique instructions before placing your order.
- 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 Friday, May 1.
- Verify your name and address for diploma delivery. Look above at the March 2026 section for more details.
- Good luck with your final exams!
- May 20th: University Commencement will take place with two celebrations held on the Morningside Campus: one for graduate degree candidates and one for undergraduate degree candidates. Travel and day planning should account for your specific ceremony time. Ceremony Schedule:
- University Commencement: Graduate Ceremony
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Architecture, Planning and Preservation
- Arts
- Business School
- Climate School
- Dental Medicine
- The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (Graduate Students)
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- International and Public Affairs
- Journalism School
- Law School
- Mailman School of Public Health
- Nursing
- Professional Studies
- Social Work
- Teachers College
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
University Commencement: Undergraduate Ceremony
5:00 - 6:30. p.m.- Barnard College
- Columbia College
- The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (Undergraduate Students)
- General Studies
- University Commencement: Graduate Ceremony
- 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!
- Verify your name and address for diploma delivery. Look above at the March 2026 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 #Columbia2026