Convocation Information for Faculty

Professor hooding a PhD student in ceremony

GSAS welcomes Columbia faculty to take part in the Convocation ceremonies on Sunday, May 17, 2026, on the Morningside campus (South Lawn). Faculty walk in the academic procession and are seated on stage during the ceremonies.

We request that each department chair attend Doctoral Convocation to hood the department’s graduates, or designate a departmental representative to do the honors.

Faculty RSVP

If you plan to attend Convocation, please RSVP here so we may send you important event details and ensure your access to Alfred Lerner Hall, which will be the assembly site for the academic procession (see below) and which will be closed to non-participants on May 17.

Academic Regalia

Faculty marching in the procession are asked to wear academic regalia. GSAS has a limited number of Columbia caps and gowns available; alternatively, you may rent regalia. If you will need to borrow or rent regalia, please RSVP here as soon as possible.

Academic Procession

Master’s Convocation
Faculty will assemble in room 555 of Alfred Lerner Hall 7:45—8:15 am (enter at 2920 Broadway). The procession will begin at 8:30 am. The ceremony will conclude at 10:15 am, followed by a 90-minute reception.

Doctoral Convocation
Faculty will assemble in room 555 of Alfred Lerner Hall 10:45—11:15 am (enter at 2920 Broadway). The procession will begin at 12:30 pm. The ceremony will conclude at 1:30 pm, followed by a 90-minute reception.