For Our Neighbors

Morningside Heights

Commencement and the NYC Community

Celebrating our Graduates

Starting in mid-May, our neighborhoods come alive with the excitement of Commencement Season. This is a special time filled with joy, proud families, and graduates celebrating their achievements. We’re grateful for the support and understanding of our neighbors as we mark this milestone.  Thank you for being part of our vibrant community—and for helping us celebrate the next generation of leaders!

Here is everything to know about the celebrations.

Event Overview

  • Commencement Season includes ceremonies hosted by each of Columbia’s 19 schools, and our largest event, University Commencement on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. 
  • All events are ticketed. To prevent heavy sidewalk congestion:
    • Guest check-in will begin earlier than gates opening time
    • Gates open 60 minutes prior to each ceremony
  • Enhanced security measures are in place to ensure the smooth execution of events
  • An increased number of recycling and trash bins will be installed

Venues

Our events take place across several neighborhoods.

  • Morningside Heights: Columbia’s Main campus
    • May 16, 2025 - May 21, 2025
  • Inwood: Baker Athletics Complex (West 218th Street)
    • May 20, 2025
  • Washington Heights: Columbia University Irving Medical Center and The Armory
    • May 20, 2025 - May 22, 2025

Anticipated Neighborhood Impacts

  • Intermittent closures of streets, sidewalks, or parking lanes for security and safety
  • Increased foot traffic and larger crowds, particularly near campus gates and transit stations
  • Greater demand at local businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, florists, and hotels
  • Higher volume of truck deliveries and shuttle buses
  • Increase in truck deliveries and shuttle bus traffic
  • Increased security presence
  • Potential for more congestion on public transit lines


Impacts by Locations

Morningside Campus (Wednesday, May 21, 12:01 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

  • Temporary street closures 
    • 114th Street (between Broadway & Amsterdam Avenue)
    • 116th Street (between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive)
    • 120th Street (between Broadway & Amsterdam Avenue)
  • Sidewalk Congestion
    • Broadway — between W. 114th Street and W. 120th Street)
    • N. 114th Street — between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
    • Amsterdam Avenue — between W. 114th Street and W. 117th Street

Baker Athletics Complex (Monday, May 19, at 12:01 a.m. - Tuesday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m.)

  • Parking Lane Closure
    • West 218th Street (Indian Road to Broadway)
  • Intermittent Street closure so guests can safely leave the venue (Tuesday, May 20)
    • W. 218th Street (from Park Terrace West to Broadway)
      • 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sidewalk Congestion
    • Broadway (W. 218th Street to W. 9th Avenue)
    • West 218th Street (Park Terrace West to Broadway)

Transportation & Public Transit

Graduates, faculty, staff, and guests are strongly encouraged to use public transportation to ease congestion. Columbia University coordinates with the MTA to minimize disruption during the busiest times.

For questions regarding commencement-related impacts, please email the Office of University Ceremonies at [email protected].