Faculty & Staff

President Lee C. Bollinger giving a speech behind a Columbia University podium

Commencement Week is an exciting time for the entire University community—we hope that you will join in the celebration! Every year, faculty and staff have the opportunity to participate in the festivities by marching in the academic procession at the University Commencement ceremony or by volunteering as an Event Host or Marshal for one or more of the school ceremonies.

Volunteer

We encourage faculty and staff to volunteer at events during Commencement Week, especially on Commencement Day. Please visit the Volunteer page for more information.

University Commencement Academic Procession

All Columbia University faculty and officers of administration are invited to march in the academic procession at the University Commencement ceremony.

Participants in the academic procession should enter campus through an upper campus gate and assemble at the designated areas in Low Memorial Library by 10:00 a.m. on the morning of University Commencement. The academic procession will follow the degree candidate procession at around 10:15 a.m., formally beginning the exercises for the University Commencement ceremony.

Register to participate in the academic procession.

Full academic attire is required. Learn more about regalia.

Ticket Information

If you would like to request tickets for school ceremonies, including Class Days or graduation ceremonies, please contact the individual school.

Space for the University Commencement ceremony is extremely limited. Seats on campus are reserved for ticket holders and degree candidates only.

Navigating Campus

Movement around campus will be restricted during Commencement Week.

On the morning of Commencement Day, all faculty and staff must show a University ID to enter campus, including those participating in the academic procession. Temporary staff members must have a photo ID and a printed letter on Columbia University stationery authorizing campus access. Please reference Campus Maps to navigate campus during Commencement Day.

For those planning to drive or park near campus during Commencement Week, please note that many streets surrounding the Morningside campus will be closed to both traffic and parking by the New York City Police Department.

Columbia University is committed to making the events and activities of Commencement Week accessible to all guests. Disability Services coordinates these efforts for all individual school ceremonies, the Baccalaureate Service, and University Commencement.