How to Prepare for University Commencement

Smiling Grads

Graduates 

Here’s what you need to know:

    Bring the Essentials:

    • Regalia Required: You’ve earned this moment—dress the part! Regalia is required to participate in all Commencement events. Graduates must arrive with regalia unzipped, as checks may take place before entry or during lineup. 
    • Your graduate e-ticket—Screenshot your QR code in advance and encourage your guests to do the same. This will help guarantee that you can access your e-ticket if Wi-Fi or cellular service is limited.
    • Your CUID (Columbia ID).
    • A reusable water bottle—stay hydrated while being sustainable.
    • 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.
    • The full list of what you cannot 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

    Know Your Line-Up Spot: 

    • Graduates should enter campus at 120th Street beginning at 7:30 a.m. 
      • Barnard and Teachers College graduates: You will line up at your campus first.
    • Graduate Line Up locations
    • If you need entry accommodations, make sure you’ve coordinated with Disability Services in advance.

    Rain or Shine: The ceremony goes on! Pack for inclement weather—umbrellas, ponchos, or sun hats, depending on the forecast.

    Guest Coordination:

    • Send your guests their tickets in advance—Have them take a screenshot for easy access.
    • Remind them to head to the correct viewing location on their ticket.
    • Plan a meeting spot for after the ceremony. Graduates and guests are seated separately, and with large crowds, it can be tricky to find each other.

    Share the Celebration via the Livestream!

    Not everyone can be there in person—but they can still cheer you on from anywhere! Send the link to family and friends who don’t have a ticket. The stream will be available on the Commencement website.

    Guests

    Have Your Ticket Ready: Screenshots are encouraged for quick and easy access. No ticket = no entry. 

    Go to Your Designated Viewing Location:

    • Your ticket shows your assigned viewing location—head straight there.
      • South Lawn Guests join the queue at 115th St. & Broadway Ave. starting at 8:30 a.m.
      • ADA Guests arrive at 116th St. & Amsterdam Ave. Entry will begin at 8:30 a.m. Disability services staff will be on-site on the day of the event to direct and assist individuals to their seats.
      • Levien Gymnasium Guests  join the queue at the corner of 120th St. & Broadway Ave. starting at 8:30 a.m.
    • Guest seating areas are separate from graduate seating on Low Plaza. 

    Ceremony Timing: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

    Post-Ceremony Meet-Up: With large crowds and limited campus access, finding your graduate afterward can be tricky. Pick a meeting spot ahead of time to avoid confusion.

    Stay Hydrated & Prepared:

    • Don’t forget a photo ID.
    • Bring a reusable water bottle—fountains and refill stations will be available.
    • Rain or shine: The ceremony goes on! Pack for inclement weather—umbrellas, ponchos, or sun hats, depending on the forecast.

    What NOT to Bring:

    • 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.
    • The full list of what you cannot 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.

    By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your school-specific ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these photos and recordings may be shared publicly or on social media at the discretion of the University, and an archived video will be made available online for viewing after the event.

    All participants and guests attending Commencement season events understand and agree to follow the responsibilities outlined in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy, and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.