2026 Graduate Guide

To ensure your personal information and diploma address are up to date:

1. Check your name for your diploma via Vergil
   • Your full legal name as it appears in Vergil will be printed on your diploma unless you inform the Registrar’s Office otherwise
   • Please contact [email protected] if you require any of the following:
     • If you would like to use your preferred or chosen name on your diploma
     • If your name on Vergil does not display as you would like it presented on your diploma
     • If you would like to abbreviate or remove your middle name from your diploma
     • If you would like to include diacritical or accent marks in your name on your diploma
2. Verify your permanent address via Student Services Online (SSOL) to receive your diploma after graduation
   • Diplomas are not available for in-person pickup and will be mailed approximately three weeks after University Commencement
   • Diplomas will only be sent when a “Diploma (DP) Address” is on file in SSOL under “Degree Application Status”
   • To Update your diploma address, follow these steps:
     • Log in to SSOL
     • Go to "Degree Application Status"
     • Click "Update Diploma Address" and enter or update with an address that will be valid more than eight weeks after graduation

Academic Regalia Details

Academic regalia is required to participate in GS Class Day and University Commencement, and includes: 

• Gown/Robe (Required)
• Cap & Tassel (Optional) 

Additional information regarding academic regalia: 

• Caps, gowns, and tassels are not rentals; all are souvenirs for graduates
• Tassels should hang on the right side until degrees are conferred at University 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.

Purchasing Regalia

Regalia can be purchased through the options outlined below: 

• Columbia Bookstore (In Person & Domestic Shipping)
• Oak Hall (Domestic Shipping)

Apply for Complimentary Regalia

GS graduates in need of financial assistance may apply for complimentary academic regalia for GS Class Day and University Commencement. Further details and deadlines will be announced as available. 

Beginning in early March, graduates must complete the mandatory Graduation Survey, which is an opportunity for students to provide important information, such 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.

Further details and registration deadlines will be announced as available.

Asian Affinity Groups Celebration: Honoring the Class of 2026 | 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 Affinity Groups Celebration: Honoring the Class of 2026 | 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 Celebration: Honoring the Class of 2026 | 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.

Latine Affinity Groups Celebration: Honoring the Class of 2026 | Stole

Latine 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 Latine students have played in shaping Columbia’s landscape.

Lavender Celebration: Honoring the Class of 2026 | Rainbow Tassel

The Lavender Graduation Celebration is a celebration that celebrates our graduating LGBTQ and allied students. 

Native & Indigenous Affinity Groups Celebration: Honoring the Class of 2026 | 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

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.

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.

GS FLI | Navy Blue and Gold Cord

Students graduating from the School of General Studies who will be the first in their family to graduate from college or who come from lower income backgrounds are invited to wear an honor cord at Commencement Week ceremonies. 

Lors Photography Portraits

Graduates are invited to have their senior portraits taken free of charge by Lors Photography. Dates and details will be announced as available.

GradImages Portraits

The University Ceremonies Office works with GradImages to host outdoor portrait days at three iconic locations on the Morningside Campus. Dates and details will be announced as available.

For generations, class jewelry has been purchased to commemorate a major milestone. Graduates can make the tradition their own with class rings, Columbia University Collection Jewelry, and more from Balfour & Co. Find more details and place your order here.

The Columbian is the official yearbook for Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and Columbia General Studies.

Purchase information for the Columbian Yearbook is forthcoming. 

For questions please email [email protected]

NOTE: the Yearbook will ship in September to include photos of Senior Week and graduation. Please ship your yearbook to a non-Columbia permanent address.

Learn about your health insurance options after graduation and how to prepare for coverage transitions.

• Thu. May 28 at 3 p.m. –  Webinar Link
• Thu. June 11 at 3 p.m. – Webinar Link