Volunteer

Be part of the pomp and circumstance as we welcome friends, guests, and family members to campus during the most celebratory time of the year. Volunteers are needed Friday, May 12, through Wednesday, May 17, for Commencement Week and University Commencement.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Faculty, Officers, Students, and Alumni

Event Volunteers

Event Volunteers engage directly with visiting guests by providing directions, guidance, and a celebratory atmosphere throughout campus. They play a vital role to many families who are visiting Columbia University for the first time during this celebration.

Morningside Ceremonies

Sign-ups to become an Event Volunteer for University Commencement are now closed.

Medical Center Ceremonies

Sign-Ups to become an Event Volunteer for ceremonies held at the Medical Center are now closed.

Questions? Please contact Clara Leon at [email protected].

Faculty and Officers

Marshals

Marshals organize and usher graduating students and faculty members during the academic and graduate processions during University Commencement and the Baccalaureate Service. These roles, open to faculty and officers, are critical to the success of the carefully orchestrated processions that mark the start of the ceremony.

  • Academic Procession Marshal - Organize and process with faculty and administrators.
  • Candidate Procession Marshal - Assemble and process with graduating students.
  • Candidate Usher Marshal - Organize and seat students on Low Plaza after the procession.
  • Candidate Traffic Marshal - Organize and guide students for the procession.

Sign-ups to become a Marshal for University Commencement or Baccalaureate Service are now closed.

Please note, a graduating student may not serve as a Marshal unless appointed as a Student Marshal by their school. Graduates may volunteer for ceremonies outside of their own class day and University Commencement.