As you begin preparing for activities surrounding graduation, please refer to this page for updated information, deadlines, and graduation resources.
Graduation Overview
GS Student Life and the Dean of Students Office will send regular emails, beginning in March, to help students prepare for graduation. Please check this page for updated details as more information is released.
There are two primary graduation ceremonies: GS Class Day and University Commencement. Class Day is a special event that celebrates Columbia GS graduates. Each degree candidate ascends the stage, is presented by the GS Dean of Students, and shakes hands with the Dean of the School of General Studies.
University Commencement celebrates all graduates from Columbia's nineteen schools and affiliate institutions. At this university-wide ceremony, President Shafik officially confers degrees to the graduating students en masse.
For GS Class Day, online registration is required for graduating students and tickets are required for guests. For Commencement, tickets are required for both graduates and their guests.
Student Conduct Disclaimer
Commencement season is a time to celebrate and enjoy your accomplishments. To honor the spirit and significance of this occasion, we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. All participants and guests attending Commencement season event(s) understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in University policies, including the University Rules of Conduct and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.
Graduation Checklist
Priority Items
Application Deadline: Sun., March 17
If you plan to participate in May graduation ceremonies as either a May 2024 or October 2024 degree candidate, please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor** and submit a Graduation Application Form as soon as possible. You may not simply submit an application to the Registrar.
**You may not simply submit an application to the Registrar.
Note: If you do not submit your degree application by the deadline, you may not be able to graduate, you will not be considered for certain academic honors, and your name will not appear in the graduation program.
After graduation you will continue to receive mail from Columbia University and we want to make sure we have your correct information. Please update your permanent address in SSOL as soon as possible.
Purchasing Regalia
Visit the Columbia Bookstore to purchase your cap and gown, order your class ring, and browse Columbia merchandise.
In-Person Ordering and Pickup Deadline: Regalia can be purchased or rented in the bookstore beginning February 27 up until Commencement Day.
Complimentary Regalia for Graduates in Need of Financial Assistance Application Deadline: April 10
GS graduates in need of financial assistance may apply for complimentary academic regalia for GS Class Day and University Commencement. Upon review, students will be notified by GS Student Life whether their application has been approved. Students who qualify will be contacted by April 12 with instructions for picking up their regalia from the Columbia University Bookstore.
Online Ordering for Regalia: Available after March 4
International Shipping: Order via Oakhalli before March 22
Orders can be shipped or picked up in-person at the Bookstore.
Domestic Shipping: Online orders can be placed at Columbia Bookstore’s website for pick up or US domestic shipping.
Academic Regalia Details
Academic regalia consists of a cap, gown (robe), and tassel. Academic regalia is custom-designed in Columbia Blue. Gowns are not rentals; they are souvenirs for graduates.
The tassel should hang to the right side until President Shafik has conferred degrees during Commencement.
An article in the New York Times provides information about the history of academic regalia, including Columbia's role in the development of an American standard.
Class of 2024 graduates must complete the mandatory Graduation Survey, which is an opportunity for students to provide important information, such as the correct pronunciation of your name for the ceremony, as well as the address to which the School should send your copy of the GS alumni magazine and other communications about alumni events and opportunities.
Even if you do not participate in the Class Day ceremony, the survey helps to maintain the School's connection with students after graduation.
By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you'll also help us understand how we may best support you in the lead up to graduation, and as you transition to becoming a member of our active alumni community.
Select groups of graduating students will be wearing honor cords during Class Day, University Commencement, and other Columbia graduation ceremonies. The honors are listed below and will be denoted in the GS Class Day program.
Dual and Joint Degree Programs | Red and Silver Cord
The GS Dual and Joint Degree Program Cords are awarded to graduates of the Dual and Joint Degree Programs with Sciences Po, Tel Aviv University, Trinity College Dublin, City University of Hong Kong, and List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
GS Leadership | Green and White Cord
The GS Leadership Cords are awarded to students who have received a Service Award, Spirit Award, Change Agent Award, Dean’s Citation, Alumni Key Award, or Campbell Award during their time at the School of General Studies.
Multicultural Graduation Regalia Accessories
The School of General Studies is proud to partner with the CC & SEAS Office of Multicultural Affairs to sponsor the Multicultural Graduation Celebrations to celebrate the diverse graduating class.
Graduates must register by Sunday, March 17, 11:59 p.m. in order to secure their regalia accessory. Graduates registering after March 17 may still participate; however, remaining regalia accessories will be distributed based on registration times while supplies last and are not guaranteed.
Asian Graduation Celebration | Medallion
Asian Graduation Celebration is an annual celebration that recognizes the achievements of our graduating Asian (East Asian, South Asian and Southeast Asian) and Pacific Islander communities on campus.
Black Graduation Celebration | Stole
Black Graduation celebration serves as an intimate gathering for family, friends and members of the Columbia community to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of the undergraduate graduating class.
FLI Graduation Celebration | FLI Torch Tassel
The FLI Graduation Celebration celebrates students who will be the first in their family to graduate from college or who come from low income backgrounds.
Latinx Graduation Celebration | Stole
Latinx Graduation Celebration (formerly Raza Graduation) has a long-standing history within the University of celebrating the accomplishments of our undergraduate Latinx graduates, as well as recognizing the role that Latinx students have played in shaping Columbia’s landscape.
LGBTQIA+ Gradation Celebration | Rainbow Tassel
The Lavender Graduation Celebration is a celebration that celebrates our graduating LGBTQ and allied students.
Native Graduation Celebration | Stole
The Native Graduation Celebration provides an intimate setting for family, friends, alumni, faculty, staff and students to recognize the accomplishments of the graduates while embracing their new important roles as Columbia alumni.
Multicultural Affairs | Navy Blue and White Cord
Nomination Deadline: Sun., March 24
Presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), the OMA Graduation Cords are given to graduating seniors who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to inclusion, global diversity, social justice, and multiculturalism through the OMA, campus leadership, community involvement, academic endeavors, and/or personal dedication. Cords will be distributed at a special ceremony.
Students, faculty, and staff may nominate any graduating senior in Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, or the School of General Studies.
Program for Academic Leadership and Service | Navy Blue Stole
The Program for Academic Leadership and Service (PALS) provides access to a Columbia undergraduate education for students who have a demonstrated commitment to leadership and service.
Senior Marshals | Gold Aiguillettes
Senior Marshals are members of the graduating class who have been selected by the Office of the Dean of Students to lead the class procession.
U.S. Military Service Recognition | Red, White, and Blue Cord
Students graduating from Columbia University who serve, have served, or will be serving after graduation in the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to wear an honor cord at Commencement Week ceremonies in recognition of their service to our country.
Dates and Times:
Mon., March 18 – Fri., March 22, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mon., March 25 – Fri., March 29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Austin E. Quigley Black Box Theater, 5th Floor, Lerner Hall
Graduates are invited to have their senior portraits taken free of charge by Lors Photography. Schedule your appointment using your last name (as it appears in SSOL) as your user name and your UNI as your password. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call Customer Service at 908-964-8200.
Important Details:
- Portraits will be taken in your business attire and cap & gown; academic attire will be provided
- Please be prepared to provide the photographer with your major(s) at the time of your sitting
- It is important that you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment
- No walk-ins will be permitted
- Don’t forget that you can use these portraits for your professional networking and job search sites!
The 176th Edition of the Columbian is now available for purchase*!
Cost: $105
*Please note: the Yearbook will ship in September to include photos of Senior Week and graduation. Please ship your yearbook to a non-Columbia address (for example, where you’re shipping your diploma).
Your Columbia diploma will be produced and mailed within three weeks after Commencement. Diplomas are not available for pick up. Please check your name as it appears on Vergil, your full legal name will be printed on your diploma unless you inform the Registrar’s Office otherwise. Contact [email protected] for questions regarding updates to your diploma name.
Diplomas will only be sent when a "Diploma (DP) Address" is on file and may be updated on Student Services Online (SSOL) under "Degree Application Status". It is best to use an address that is valid for more than eight weeks after graduation.
Diploma Address Deadline: Monday, May 13, 5 p.m. EST
School of General Studies Class Day Ceremony
Monday, May 13, 8:00 a.m.
South Lawn, Columbia University Morningside Heights Campus
Student Lineup begins at 6:30 a.m.
Class Day is a special event that celebrates you and your fellow GS graduates. At Class Day you will be presented by name to the President or Provost of Columbia, Dean Rosen-Metsch, assembled faculty, and guests, and will have the opportunity to walk across the graduation stage. The ceremony also includes speeches by a keynote speaker—typically a GS alumna or alumnus—and graduate speakers, as well as the presentation of the GS Alumni Key Award and the CAA Campbell Award. Following the ceremony, a celebratory reception will be held.
For GS Class Day, online registration is required for graduating students and tickets are required for guests. There is no limit on guest tickets for GS Class Day. The ticketing system for GS Class Day will open on Wed., April 3.
Upcoming Class Day Deadlines
Invite Faculty Member(s) to Class Day
Deadline: Mon., April 1
You are encouraged to invite up to five faculty members to GS Class Day. Faculty members will receive a personalized invitation to Class Day from GS. We strongly encourage graduates to invite faculty members who have served as their advisors and mentors.
Class Day Logistics
You will receive an email from GS Student Life with detailed logistics regarding GS Class Day.
Class Day Tickets
All graduates participating in GS Class Day must register for themselves and their guests. Registration for GS Class Day is now open!
Students can register for GS Class Day and University Commencement, for themselves and for their guests, simultaneously. After registering, students will receive a single graduate ticket to be used for both ceremonies. Students will also receive separate emails for each guest for each event they registered a guest(s) for, each email containing a unique guest ticket. Graduates are responsible for distributing guest tickets to their guests directly.
While there is no limit on the number of guest tickets students can receive, the online ticketing platform will only technically allow a graduate to reserve a maximum of fifteen (15) guest tickets for GS Class Day. If you have more than 15 guests, please reserve tickets for your first 15 guests and then email [email protected] directly to facilitate additional guest tickets.
Step by Step:
- Log into the online ticketing platform using your first name, last name, and Columbia email.
- On the online ticketing platform homepage, click the “Register Now” button.
- Fill out “Step 1: Graduation Information,” then click the “Next” button.
- Complete “Step 2A: Guest Information” for each guest, for each ceremony; if a guest is attending both ceremonies, you will need to add them twice. (Guest names and emails are collected for emergency communications only.)
- Complete “Step 2B: Commencement Ticket Assignments” by clicking “Select Attendees” for GS Class Day and selecting yourself and your guests as appropriate. Repeat the process for University Commencement, then click the “Next” button.
- In “Step 3: Registration Summary,” review your registration information. Then, click the “Submit” button to finalize your registration order.
- After submitting your registration, you will see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email, as well as subsequent emails containing your graduate ticket and your guests’ tickets.
To modify your registration: On the online ticketing platform homepage, select the “Already registered?” button located under the “Register Now” button and enter the email address used at registration as well as the confirmation number provided in your graduate confirmation email.
GS Class Day will be broadcast live and may be viewed on the GS Class Day page of the Columbia Commencement website. Share this link with your family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony. A video recording of the Class Day ceremony will also be available on Columbia University’s YouTube channel in the days following the events.
Graduate Assembly Time: 6:30 a.m.
Location: Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Auditorium
Graduates should report to Lerner Hall at 6:30 a.m., where they will sign-in, collect honor cords, and line-up for the procession onto the lawn.
Further information will be provided as Class Day approaches.
Location: Ancell Plaza
A reception for graduates and their families will immediately follow the Class Day ceremony, rain or shine.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
University Commencement
Wednesday, May 15, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Low Plaza
Student lineup begins at 7:30 a.m.
During University Commencement your degree is officially conferred. All of Columbia’s undergraduate and graduate schools participate in this event. The ceremony includes awards to honorary degree recipients and outstanding Columbia faculty. For 2024, there will be two Commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 15, in order to ease crowding. All Columbia GS graduates who wish to attend Commencement must participate in the morning ceremony.
Online registration is required for graduating students and tickets are required for guests. The ticketing system for University Commencement will launch on Wed., April 3 (see “Commencement Tickets” below for more details). More information will be shared directly with GS graduates from GS Student Life and the Dean of Students Office.
For further details about the Columbia University Commencement ceremony and Commencement Week, please visit the University Commencement website.
Commencement Logistics
More information will be shared with students via email as Commencement approaches.
Commencement Tickets
All graduates participating in University Commencement must register for tickets for themselves and their guests. Registration for University Commencement is now open!
Students can register for GS Class Day and University Commencement, for themselves and for their guests, simultaneously. After registering, students will receive a single graduate ticket to be used for both ceremonies. Students will also receive separate emails for each guest for each event they registered a guest(s) for, each email containing a unique guest ticket. Graduates are responsible for distributing guest tickets to their guests directly.
Students may reserve up to four (4) guest tickets. Morningside campus will be closed to the general public during University Commencement; guests will only be admitted to the specific ceremony and location indicated on their assigned ticket. Guest tickets for the outdoor venue are on a first-come, first-served basis. Once outdoor ticket capacity is reached, multiple indoor locations will become available for guests on the online ticketing platform.
Step by Step:
- Log into the online ticketing platform using your first name, last name, and Columbia email.
- On the online ticketing platform homepage, click the “Register Now” button.
- Fill out “Step 1: Graduation Information,” then click the “Next” button.
- Complete “Step 2A: Guest Information” for each guest, for each ceremony; if a guest is attending both ceremonies, you will need to add them twice. (Guest names and emails are collected for emergency communications only.)
- Complete “Step 2B: Commencement Ticket Assignments” by clicking “Select Attendees” for GS Class Day and selecting yourself and your guests as appropriate. Repeat the process for University Commencement, then click the “Next” button.
- In “Step 3: Registration Summary,” review your registration information. Then, click the “Submit” button to finalize your registration order.
- After submitting your registration, you will see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email, as well as subsequent emails containing your graduate ticket and your guests’ tickets.
To modify your registration: On the online ticketing platform homepage, select the “Already registered?” button located under the “Register Now” button and enter the email address used at registration as well as the confirmation number provided in your graduate confirmation email.
For more information about Commencement ticketing, please visit the University Commencement website.
The University Commencement ceremony will be broadcast live and may be viewed on the webcast page of the Columbia Commencement website (the embed will be posted on the morning of the ceremony). Share this link with your family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony. A video recording of the Commencement ceremony will also be available on Columbia University’s YouTube channel in the days following the events.
Graduate Assembly Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Enter via the Earl Hall Gate at 117th Street and Broadway
Important Details:
- GS graduates will line up in front of Earl Hall near the South West corner of Low Library at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15.
- Graduates will be wearing Academic Regalia and present a valid CUID to access campus via the Earl Hall Gate at 117th Street and Broadway.
- GS graduates will be given an inflatable owl to wave during the ceremony in celebration of GS.
- The graduate entrance procession will begin at 8 a.m. with the academic procession and ceremony beginning at 8:45 a.m. During the Commencement ceremony, President Shafik officially confers degrees en masse to graduating students from 18 schools, colleges, and affiliated institutions.
- Commencement is held rain or shine; the ceremony is not tented.
Additional Graduation Events
Dean's Toast to Graduates
Event Date and Time: Wednesday, April 3, 6 - 8 p.m.
Event Location: Faculty House, 4th Floor Skyline Dining Room
Graduates are invited to a celebratory reception hosted by Dean Rosen-Metsch and leaders from the GS Alumni Association (GSAA). Guests will enjoy food, drinks, raffle prizes, and more.
The Columbia Way 2024 (CAA Resource Fair)
Event Date and Time: Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Location: Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W 113th St
Graduating students, master life beyond Columbia and make the most of alumni benefits! The Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) is hosting the Columbia Way 2024, a resource fair on Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16.
From information on how to leverage your alumni status, social opportunities, and the opportunity for professional headshots, your alumni community is here to support you with the tools you need to succeed post-graduation.
If you plan to have headshots...dress for success!
GS Graduation Kickoff and Dean’s Toast
Event Date and Time: Thursday, April 18, 2 - 4 p.m.
Event Location: Lerner Hall Room 555
Join fellow seniors and start the countdown to graduation! At this event, get information from various GS and University offices regarding graduation, enjoy snacks and a senior toast by Dean Rosen-Metsch, and meet with staff from the GS Office of Alumni Relations and the Center for Career Education.
No RSVP is required; students are instead asked to complete the Mandatory Graduation Survey. Please complete the survey prior to attending the event.
Multicultural Graduation Celebrations
Registration Deadline to Reserve Regalia Accessories: Sunday, March 17, 11:59 p.m.
Registration Deadline to Participate in Ceremonies: None
Complementing Class Day and Commencement, Multicultural Graduation Celebrations offer graduates intimate spaces to incorporate meaningful cultural traditions, reflect on shared experiences and personal growth, and be in community with others who have uplifted them during their time as students.
Graduates must register by Sunday, March 17, 11:59 p.m. in order to secure their regalia accessory. Graduates registering after March 17 may still participate; however, remaining regalia accessories will be distributed based on registration times while supplies last and are not guaranteed.
Multicultural Affairs Graduation Cord Ceremony | Tues., April 30, 2 - 4 p.m.
Nominations are due Sun., March 24
Asian Graduation Celebration | Wed., May 1, 6 - 8 p.m. | The Forum Auditorium
Graduate registration | Guest registration
Lavender Graduation Celebration (LGBTQIA+ community) | Thurs., May 2, 6 - 8 p.m. | The Forum Auditorium
Graduate registration | Guest registration
FLI Graduation Celebration (First-generation and/or low-income community) | Mon., May 13, 5 - 6:30 p.m. | The Forum Auditorium
Graduate registration | Guest registration
Black Graduation Celebration | Tues., May 14, 2 - 4:30 p.m. | Lerner Auditorium
Graduate registration | Guest registration
Latinx Graduation Celebration | Tues., May 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Lerner Auditorium
Graduate registration | Guest registration
Native Graduation Celebration | Wed., May 15, 12 - 2 p.m. | Lerner 555
Graduate registration | Guest registration
Baccalaureate Service
Event Date and Time: Sunday, May 12, 10 - 11:15 a.m.
Event Location: St. Paul's Chapel, Morningside Campus
The Baccalaureate Service is a multi-faith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career. Service highlights include hymns, musical selections, readings, reflections, and speeches by students. All undergraduate degree candidates and their guests are invited to attend this service, and anyone unable to attend in person is welcome to tune into the livestream.
Columbia/Barnard Hillel Commencement Brunch
Event Date and Time: Wednesday, May 15, immediately following University Commencement
Event Location: The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, 606 West 115th Street
Columbia/Barnard Hillel will celebrate graduates at this annual Commencement Brunch. Family, friends, and loved ones are welcome. Jewish dietary laws will be observed.
Guest Information
For guests who live outside of the United States and need proof of a student's graduation in order to receive permission to visit, an official letter confirming student status and graduation date may be provided. Please note that turnaround times vary by country and students are encouraged to submit this form as soon as possible.
Gates open: 8 a.m.
General Admission Entrance: 114th Street and Broadway
Entrance for Guests Needing Assistance: Gates on Amsterdam Avenue at 116th Street or 115th Street.
- Guests may enter campus beginning at 8 a.m. and must present their tickets for scanning or collection. Tickets are required for guest entry. Tickets can only be scanned once, and guests will not be permitted to re–enter campus after exiting.
- If you have not done so already, download your guest tickets by logging into the University Commencement registration and guest ticket request website. Your guests should print out the tickets for scanning at Commencement.
- Please distribute guest tickets to friends and family before Commencement Day. Graduates and guests enter through different locations of campus that morning and it is incredibly difficult to coordinate getting last-minute tickets from graduates to guests.
- Guests with general admission tickets should enter at 114th Street and Broadway. Those with disabilities or limited mobility, elderly guests needing assistance, or guests needing sign language interpretation should use the gates on Amsterdam Avenue either at 116th Street or 115th Street.
Gates Open: 7 a.m.
Guest Entrance: TBA
Share Your Graduation Experience
Celebrate your accomplishments and memories on social media using #OwlTogether2024—and don’t forget to tag @ColumbiaGS! Photos will stream live for your family, friends, and guests to enjoy during GS Class Day.
ACCESSIBILITY
Columbia provides accessible entrances and seating for students and guests with disabilities or special needs for both GS Class Day and Commencement. Graduates with mobility concerns should email [email protected] as soon as possible to arrange for accommodations for GS Class Day.
University Commencement is held on Low Plaza and the processional route for students includes stairs. Those graduates whose disabilities limit their ability to walk or negotiate stairs should contact Disability Services at 212-854-2388 or email [email protected] to arrange for accessible seating by May 1.
Guests with disabilities or limited mobility, elderly guests needing assistance, or guests needing sign language interpretation should use the gates on Amsterdam Avenue either at 116th Street or 115th Street.