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 20, 2026.
  • All events are ticketed. To prevent heavy sidewalk congestion:
    • Guest check-in will begin earlier than gates opening time
    • Gates open about 60 minutes prior to each ceremony
• Enhanced security measures are in place to ensure the smooth execution of events.

Anticipated Neighborhood Impacts

• Intermittent closures of streets, sidewalks, and parking lanes
• 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
• Increased security presence
• Potential for more congestion on public transit lines
• Limited street parking around campus
   

Parking & Curb Restrictions: Friday, May 15 - Thursday, May 21

Parking lanes around the campus perimeter will be utilized for guest queuing, pedestrian management, and event operations throughout the week. Parking availability in the surrounding area will be extremely limited.

Morningside Campus (Wednesday, May 20)

• Street closures
  • West 114th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
  • West 116th Street between Broadway and Riverside Drive
  • West 116th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside Drive
  • West 120th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
      

Please allow additional travel time and plan alternate routes when possible. Parking lanes around the campus perimeter will be utilized for guest queuing, pedestrian management, and event operations throughout the week. Parking availability in the surrounding area will be extremely limited.

Community members crossing through or accessing campus should be aware that available entrances and access hours will vary throughout Commencement Week due to event operations and security measures. Learn more about entrances access levels.

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].