Frequently Asked Questions

I am unable to attend the Kickoff Event. How can I pick up my tickets?
You may pick up your tickets any time from Wednesday, April 29 to Friday, May 15 at 12 p.m. in the Dean of Students office, 403 Lewisohn Hall.

Do current students need a ticket to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes.

May I invite faculty members to the Class Day Ceremony?
Yes! Please use our online form to invite up to 5 faculty members.

How can I get a copy of the pictures that were taken on stage during the Class Day ceremony?
Information about ordering photos will be sent to the permanent address you have on file in SSOL.

Is there housing available for my guests?
On-campus accommodations are described on the Housing and Dining website. A comprehensive guide to both on- and off-campus accommodations is available on the Commencement website.

My family needs proof of my graduation in order to obtain a travel visa. Is this possible?
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.

GS students should send an email to gsgraduation@columbia.edu. All emails should have the subject line "Request for Invitation Letters" and should include the following information, in the format below:

1. Student's Full Name
2. UNI
3. GS Advisor
4. Dates enrolled at Columbia (e.g., Fall 1996 to May 2008)
5. Expected Conferral date (October, February, or May)
6. Degree program (e.g., bachelor's)
7. Each relative's name (exactly as it appears on passport)
8. Guest's relation to the graduating student (e.g., mother, father, aunt, etc.)
9. Complete contact information for the US Embassy—must include phone number and fax number.

Please allow a minimum of one week for your letters to be completed. Two original copies per guest will be provided, unless requested otherwise. Signed letters will not be mailed and must be picked up in person in the designated office.

How do I confirm that I am scheduled to graduate in May?
To verify that you have submitted an application for graduation, log in to SSOL and select "Degree Application Status" (in the Academic Records section).

My question hasn't been answered. What should I do?
First, check to see if there is an answer to your question elsewhere on this website or on the University Commencement page.

If you have a question specific to GS students or GS graduation, email gsgraduation@columbia.edu.