Graduating Students

• 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.