Graduating students! Use this page as a resource as you prepare for graduation and discover the many opportunities available to you. Check back with us here and on the announcements page for the most recent information.
University Commencement Ceremony
The Columbia University Commencement ceremony of the 269th academic year will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. (EDT).
School Ceremonies
Each of Columbia’s nineteen schools, colleges, and affiliate institutions conduct their own graduation event to honor the accomplishments of their graduating class. Sometimes called Class Day or Graduation Ceremony, 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 class day, there are a variety of other ceremonies organized within the University for graduating students and their families. Learn more below.
The Baccalaureate Service, an annual multifaith service that celebrates the completion of each undergraduate's academic career.
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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 2023 Grad Fair dates
- March 7 to March 9 at the Morningside University Bookstore (11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
- March 10 at the Medical Center Bookstore (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).
- 2023 Grad Fair dates
- Calling all Columbia Performers! Audition for the opportunity to perform and/or sign at University Commencement on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
- Seeking students for:
- The National Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner"
- "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
- Alma Mater: "Stand, Columbia!"
- "New York State of Mind"
- Submit your audition video by Friday, March 24, at 12:00 p.m.
- Seeking students for:
- 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 and graduation ceremonies. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore.
- Good luck with your final exams!
- Connect with the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) about the great benefits available to you after graduation.
University Commencement
- Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. (EDT) on Morningside Campus.
- Be prepared for the graduate lineup starting from 7:00—8:30 a.m.
- Make sure to inform your guests about what they should bring with them on Commencement Day.
If you haven’t already:
- Verify your address for diploma delivery. Look above at the March 2023 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.
GRADUATE COMMUNICATIONS
Are you receiving graduate communications from the Commencement Office? If not, check your spam folder or contact your individual school to get on the list for the next e-blast. If you missed the last message from us, click below to see what was sent!
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 #Columbia2023