We are committed to making the Columbia University campus accessible to all during Commencement week. The Office of Disability Services coordinates all disability access on campus. During Commencement events, our disability services staff, event hosts and public safety officers will be on hand to assist guests with disabilities as needed.
Please note: these services will be available to all guests on the day of the ceremony. Guests with disabilities do not need to alert the University in advance to reserve seating or to make other arrangements. No special tickets are required to enter designated seating areas; general admission tickets may be used.
The information below is pertinent to the University Commencement ceremony only. Disability Services also coordinates all individual school ceremonies and the Baccalaureate Service. If you would like more information please contact the Office of Disability Services at disability@columbia.edu.
Commencement Day Disability Services
Designated Access Gates
All guests with disabilities should enter Morningside campus at the following gates:
- 116 St. and Amsterdam Ave. Gate opens at 8:30 a.m.
- 115 St. and Amsterdam Ave. (between Wallach and Hartley Halls). Gate opens at 8:30 a.m.
It is important that guests with disabilities enter campus through the above designated gates. The general admission gates on 114 St. are not accessible. In addition, the large number of guests during Commencement will make movement on campus difficult.
Seating
There are two dedicated areas on campus during Commencement for guests with disabilities:
- Disability Access Area on College Walk near Kent Hall (with seating, wheelchair accessibility and sign-language interpretation). The best gate to use to gain access to this area is at 116 St. and Amsterdam Ave.
- Disability Access Tent adjacent to Hamilton Hall (with seating, wheelchair accessibility, sign-language interpretation and closed-caption video of the Commencement exercises). The best gate to use to gain access to this tent is at 115 St. and Amsterdam Ave.
Please note: Only College Walk and the lower part of campus (south lawn) will be open to guests during the Commencement exercises. After the main ceremony is completed by approximately 12:00 p.m., the entire campus will be open, and guests with disabilities may then use the elevator to the upper campus at the east end of Dodge Hall. (Public safety officers will be available to assist guests.)
Parking
There is no on-campus parking. Drivers are advised to drop off and pick up passengers with disabilities at either of the accessible gates listed above. View a list of area parking garages.
Shuttle
A shuttle bus will circle the perimeter of campus to pick up guests with disabilities and their families and any others who may need special assistance. The bus will transport guests to the appropriate access gate. Event staff will then assist guests to their seats.
Services for Guests with Visual Disabilities
Large-print commencement programs will be available at both disability access areas on campus.
Services for Guests with Hearing Disabilities
The University's Commencement exercises will include sign language interpretation in both disability access areas. The disability access tent will also include infrared hearing devices and closed-caption video of the Commencement exercises.
Wheelchair Reservations
The University will have a limited number of wheelchairs available for all Commencement-related events at no cost. These must be reserved ahead of time. Please call or email the Office of Disability Services at 212-854-2388 or disability@columbia.edu to make a reservation and to arrange pick-up of the wheelchair before your event.
Contact Us
For further information, call the Office of Disability Services at 212-854-2388 or email disability@columbia.edu
Disability Access Map (PDF)
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