6 Things to Know About Commencement 2024 and Graduation Season at Columbia

As daffodils pop out of the ground and magnolias start to bloom, so too grows our excitement to celebrate the Class of 2024. May 15 marks a historic first for Columbia: two University Commencement ceremonies, one in the morning and one in the evening, allowing for ample time to recognize our growing student body and community.

However, Commencement does not stand alone. While May 15 may mark the largest celebration of Columbia's graduates, the day is also surrounded by more than a week of graduation festivities, from class days and multicultural ceremonies to the baccalaureate service and other events.

You may have some questions as we prepare to celebrate, so Columbia News is here to help with six things you should keep in mind this extra special graduation season.

Read through those things below, but don't forget that the Commencement website is here for you with the latest updates about this year's festivities. The Commencement team has even made specific guides for both University Commencement and school ceremonies for when you and your families come to campus.

If you have more specific questions, you can always reach out to their helpline at [email protected]. 

1. Know Your Ceremony Lingo and Dates

With two University Commencement ceremonies this year, and 34 individual school ceremonies for 19 schools, keeping track of differences and timing is more important than ever.

University Commencement: A centuries-old tradition in which degrees are symbolically conferred en masse to graduating students from 19 schools, colleges, and affiliate institutions. This year, there will be two ceremonies to accommodate a growing student body, but they will be nearly the same. At each ceremony, remarkable members of the Columbia community and special guests are also recognized through the bestowal of medals, awards, and honorary degrees. Graduates do not cross the stage or receive a diploma at University Commencement.

• Morning Ceremony at 9:00 am: School of the Arts, Barnard College, Columbia College, Dental Medicine, Columbia Engineering, Columbia General Studies, Journalism School, Mailman School of Public Health, Nursing, Teachers College, and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Evening Ceremony at 6:30 pm: Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Business School, Climate School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, International and Public Affairs, Law, School of Professional Studies, and Social Work
• Find more information about University Commencement here: commencement.columbia.edu/content/university-commencement

School Ceremonies: Each of Columbia's 19 schools and institutions conduct their own ceremony to honor the accomplishments of their graduating class. This is where each graduate is announced and walks across the stage. Sometimes called "Class Day" or "Graduation Ceremony," these celebrations are typically smaller in size and more intimate that University Commencement. These ceremonies take place in the week before and after University Commencement.

• Find all the information about your school ceremony, including date, time, speaker, and links to ticketing here: commencement.columbia.edu/content/school-ceremonies

2. Anyone Above the Age of Three Needs a Ticket to Commencement (And Your School Ceremony Too)

Registration for University Commencement begins on April 3. Graduates will receive an invitation to register from their individual schools. Ticket timing for school ceremonies is organized by your school and may vary.

Registration is required for Commencement ceremonies and school ceremonies, for both graduates and guests. The graduating student is responsible for acquiring tickets. For University Commencement, undergraduate degree candidates may register for up to four guest tickets, and graduate degree candidates may register for up to two guest tickets each.

Keep an eye on your email for ticket registration links, which will start on April 3, but continue through the spring semester as students become eligible for graduation. Guest ticket registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once outdoor ticket capacity is reached, the Commencement ticketing system will begin to offer multiple indoor locations for additional guests.

Each guest wishing to attend an event during Commencement Week must have a ticket. Each ticket permits entry to one ceremony location(s). Seating is also on a first-come, first-served basis so early arrival is strongly recommended. Gates open at 7:00 am for the morning University Commencement and 5:00 pm for the evening University Commencement.

3. Not Able to Attend Commencement? Tune In for the Livestream!

If you are not feeling well or have friends and family unable to come to campus, you'll be able to tune in for University Commencement and most school ceremonies.

Between ticket limits, illness, and out-of-town/country friends and family, we're ensuring everyone who wants to be a part of our two University Commencement ceremonies will be able to stream the ceremonies on the Commencement website here: commencement.columbia.edu/content/webcast

The University Commencement ceremonies will also be streamed live on Columbia's homepage: columbia.edu. Commencement ceremonies will not be streamed live on YouTube.

Most schools will also livestream their ceremonies, which you will be able to find on your school's landing page or website.

4. We Want to Share Your Grad Story! Share Your Photos, Videos, and Stories Throughout the Season. 

We want to celebrate YOU. With that in mind, make sure that you share your Columbia story, graduation pictures, and Commencement experiences using the hashtag #Columbia2024

You can also share your picture for our graduation-season storytelling using this form on Airtable. 

Here, you'll also be able to answer questions that might be featured on Columbia News throughout April and May:

1. What book had a profound impact on you during your time at Columbia? What is the best-kept secret spot on campus to read that book?
2. What is your favorite place you came to know around campus, or NYC as a whole, during your time at Columbia?
3. Who is a Columbian you would like to thank from your time here? (e.g. professor, advisor, staff member, mentor)
4. What is one thing you will miss about Columbia?
5. What one-sentence advice would you give to the next generation of Columbians?

REMEMBER: Commencement setup starts earlier than you think! Make sure you grab a photo in your regalia with Alma Mater before April 12, when construction begins. Not taking photos until later? We've got you covered with this list of equally iconic spots to take grad photos on campus.

Regalia is required for Commencement. All academic attire, including the cap and gown, is ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore. You can find more information here. 

5. What Will Commencement Day Be Like? What Should I Remember to Bring?

Never fear! The Commencement team is formulating a comprehensive University Commencement guide that you should bookmark as your one-stop-shop for all things day-of, from maps to programs to everything in between: rebrand.ly/UCGuide.

Of course, we've got a couple of helpful pointers and reminders we'd suggest making a note of now:

1. We highly recommend taking public transportation to get to campus for your school ceremony, but most importantly, University Commencement. Parking is limited and traffic is extremely hard to predict. Here are your transportation options.
2. Bring a reusable water bottle! As part of the University's sustainability commitments, single-use plastic bottles will not be distributed. Guests and students should bring their own reusable bottle that can be refilled at any of the water refill stations that will be available on Morningside campus during Commencement season.
3. Prepare for the elements: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and an umbrella are all encouraged, depending on the weather forecast. But as a reminder: no large bags are permitted for graduating students or guests.
4. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged—in fact, a portable battery is advisable. You don't want to miss a photo opportunity!
5. Will you need a disability accommodation, baby changing area, or lactation room? We've got you covered. 
6. When in doubt, look to the maps! We've got a variety of campus maps, organized by day, location, and audience that can answer anything from "where do I enter campus?" to "how do I find the bathroom?"

Think About What Not to Bring

It's important to remember what to bring, but also think about what not to bring. Balloons, sky lanterns, and other celebratory embellishments such as large placards or signs are not permitted at Commencement events. We hope to work together as a community to reduce waste, avoid potential tree entanglements, and provide an unobstructed and positive experience for all our graduates and guests.

Get to Know University Policies

And, finally: 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 stop and may be asked to leave the venue.

6. Continue Your Celebrations Off Campus and Around the City!

In between the two University Commencement ceremonies (and your school ceremony), we recommend graduates plan to continue their celebrations off campus. This will allow time and space for set up between ceremonies.

Luckily, we're in the city that never sleeps and a a neighborhood with some of the most fantastic dining establishments in the world. We recommend you check out Columbia Neighbors Shop & Dine Local guide for inspiration. We've also compiled a guide for parents on entertaining options around the city. And if you need a jolt of java after all this information, we've got you covered on local coffee spots too. 

More questions?

The Commencement website is your best friend! At this University resource, you can find information about the Commencement ceremonies, school ceremony information, frequently asked questions, and it is the place you can go to be sure you'll catch the ceremony livestream, in addition to Columbia's homepage.