Columbia University Commencement Week 2018
Columbia graduates
 

Columbia University Commencement of the 264th Academic Year Wednesday, May 16, 2018, 10:30 a.m. Morningside Campus (rain or shine)
To do now
Register to participate and for guest tickets
  • As a graduating student, you must register online to participate in University Commencement and request guest tickets. All guests must have a ticket to attend the ceremony. Graduating students do not need a ticket to participate in the ceremony, but they are required to register.
  • Registration will open after Spring Break. You will receive the registration link from your individual school.

Register for the Baccalaureate Service
The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career. Undergraduate students, feel free to register here.
Get your caps and gowns!
  • Full academic regalia is required to participate in University Commencement and many of the school graduation ceremonies during Commencement Week.
  • Regalia can be purchased at the University Bookstore during the Grad Fair, Tuesday, March 6–Thursday, March 8, on Morningside Campus and Friday, March 9, on CUMC Campus.

Make disability accommodations
Graduating students requiring accommodations during University Commencement or school graduation ceremonies, including those whose disabilities limit their ability to walk or negotiate stairs, should contact Disability Services by Friday, May 4, at access@columbia.edu.
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Columbia graduates
Are you a graduating student? Can you sing?
We’re seeking graduating performers, including both soloists and ensembles, to audition for the chance to sing the National Anthem at this year’s Commencement Ceremony. Details are as follows:
Round 1: Video submissions are required. Please send your video as an attachment to commencement@columbia.edu, with your name(s), email, phone number, and school, with the subject National Anthem for 2018 Commencement by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16.
Round 2: The Commencement Office will be conducting callbacks throughout the end of March. If applicable, we will require that you come for an in-person audition on Thursday, March 22, or Friday, March 23.

Final: The National Anthem singer(s) will be confirmed by the end of April.
STAY CONNECTED!
Visit the Commencement website for more details or email commencement@columbia.edu.
#Roar2018
See you on commencement day
How to access campus
  • Graduating students use the upper campus gates to meet your classmates at the designated procession lineup location. Carry your Columbia ID card, dress in academic regalia, and register to attend University Commencement.
  • General Admission ticket holders enter at 114th Street and Broadway on Commencement Day.
  • Guests with disabilities, limited mobility, the elderly requiring assistance, or those needing sign language interpretations can access the designated seating section at 116th Street and Amsterdam or 115th Street and Amsterdam.

Worried about the weather?
Levien Gymnasium serves as a climate-controlled, family-friendly viewing location for University Commencement. Guests with General Admission tickets can access the Levien Gymnasium on the morning of University Commencement at the corner of 120th Street and Broadway.

Give your guests their tickets
Tickets are electronic. Be sure to forward them to your guests and have them printed before Commencement Day, as you will be using separate entrances to enter campus that morning. Guests will not be admitted without tickets.

Be prepared
  • University Commencement is outdoors and will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather and stay hydrated.
  • Guest seating is on a first come, first served basis. Guests should be prepared to possibly stand or watch the Ceremony from the indoor viewing location if General Admission becomes full.

Read the fine print
Please be advised that the selling or buying of University Commencement tickets is strictly prohibited. Be cautious of offers to sell, buy, or trade tickets. If the ticket is an unauthorized copy, the ticket holder will be denied access to campus.

After the Ceremony
Arrange a place to meet guests after the Ceremony. With so many people on campus, you may have trouble calling and texting, as cell phone reception may be spotty.

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