Convocation FAQ
- Now:
- Confirm your eligibility (see Eligibility section below).
- Confirm your mailing address to receive your diploma (See Diplomas section below).
- After March 13: Order regalia through the Columbia Bookstore or online.
- After April 2: Register for a graduate ticket for University Commencement through the University Ticketing site.
- May 10, 11, or 12: Pick up your name card in 107 Low Library (May 10 and 11, 9:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; May 12, 9:15 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- May 14: Arrive at the Roone Arledge Auditorium at the designated time:
- PhD: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
- MA: 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
What is Columbia University Commencement?
Columbia University Commencement is an event for all 2023 graduates from across all Columbia schools, presided over by President Bollinger. Schools are assigned areas in which to sit on and around Low Plaza. Graduates wear regalia but do not walk across the stage.
What is GSAS Doctoral Convocation?
GSAS Doctoral Convocation is a ceremony which celebrates the accomplishments of all PhD candidates in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. This ceremony is for doctoral graduates only, and doctoral graduates are welcome to participate in GSAS Convocation, University Commencement, as well as any class day their home school may hold. GSAS Dean Alonso is the Master of Ceremonies for Convocation, and each graduate has an opportunity to walk across the stage. Doctoral Convocation lasts approximately 75 minutes.
What is GSAS Master’s Convocation?
GSAS Master's Convocation is a ceremony on Sunday, May 14, 2023, which celebrates the accomplishments of all Master's candidates in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The ceremony is for GSAS Master's graduates only. GSAS Dean Alonso is the Master of Ceremonies for Convocation, and each graduate has an opportunity to walk across the stage in regalia. Master’s Convocation lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Who will be the speaker at University Commencement?
Lee C. Bollinger, Columbia University’s 19th president and Seth Low Professor of the University
Who will be the speaker at GSAS Doctoral Convocation?
Turkuler Isiksel, Associate Professor and Deputy Chair of Political Science at Columbia University
Who will be the speaker at GSAS Master’s Convocation?
Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor Emerita of History at Columbia University
Will there be a student speaker at either Doctoral or Master’s Convocation?
No
The Thirty-seventh Doctoral Convocation of the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Date: Sunday, May 14, 2023
- Time: 12:00 p.m.
The Twenty-third Master’s Convocation of the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Date: Sunday, May 14, 2023
- Time: 3:00 p.m.
The Columbia University Commencement of the 269th academic year
- Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
- Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where will GSAS Doctoral Convocation, GSAS Master’s Convocation, and Columbia University Commencement be held?
GSAS Doctoral Convocation and GSAS Master’s Convocation will take place outdoors under a tent on the South Lawn of the Morningside campus. Columbia University Commencement will take place outdoors, without a tent, in front of Low Library on the Morningside campus. View campus maps here.
What time should graduates arrive for Convocation?
- PhD: Graduates arrive by 11:30 a.m.
- MA: Graduates arrive by 2:15 p.m.
Where should graduates arrive for Convocation?
Lerner Hall through the Broadway entrance at 2920 Broadway
What time should guests arrive for Convocation?
- PhD: Gates open at 11:30 a.m. The Procession starts promptly at 12:00 p.m.
- MA: Gates open at 2:15 p.m. The Procession starts promptly at 3:00 p.m.
Where should guests arrive for Convocation?
General admission guests should line up at 115th Street and Amsterdam Avenue no earlier than 30 minutes before gates open. (PhD: gates open at 11:30 a.m. for a 12:00 p.m. Procession, MA: gates open at 2:15 p.m. for a 3:00 p.m. Procession). The line will form along the sidewalk of Amsterdam Avenue.
Do these events take place rain or shine?
Yes
You are eligible to participate in both the May 2023 Master’s Convocation and the May 2023 University Commencement if:
- Your degree is conferred in October 2022 or February 2023, or
- You expect your degree to be conferred in May 2023 and you file an application for the MA with the Registrar, or
- You expect your degree to be conferred in October 2023 and you submit a program-approved Graduation Ceremonies Participation Petition to the GSAS Office of Student Affairs by April 1, 2023. (Note: This petition form does not substitute for the mandatory application for the MA degree, which you must still file with the Registrar by its deadline for October degree conferral.)
Note: Participation in GSAS Convocation and University Commencement does not constitute conferral of a Columbia degree.
You are eligible to participate in the May 2023 Doctoral Convocation if:
- Your degree is conferred in October 2022 or February 2023, or
- You complete deposit of your dissertation by the deposit deadline for the May 2023 conferral, or
- If you expect to complete deposit of your dissertation by Friday, October 13, 2023, the deposit deadline for the October 2023 conferral, you may choose to participate in either the May 2023 or May 2024 graduation ceremonies.
You are eligible to participate in the May 2023 University Commencement Ceremony if:
- Your degree was already conferred in October 2022 or February 2023, or
- You complete deposit of your dissertation by the deposit deadline for the May 2023 conferral, or
- If you expect to complete deposit of your dissertation by Friday, October 13, 2023, the deposit deadline for the October 2023 conferral, you may choose to participate in either the May 2023 or May 2024 graduation ceremonies.
Note: Participation in GSAS Convocation and University Commencement does not constitute conferral of a Columbia degree.
How can I obtain tickets?
Tickets are not required for anyone to attend GSAS Convocation. Students will receive an email on or after April 13, 2023, with additional information on how to register for student and guest tickets to Commencement.
How many tickets may I obtain for GSAS Convocation?
Tickets are not required to attend GSAS Convocation.
How many tickets may I obtain for Columbia University Commencement?
Tickets are required for all guests aged 4 and up. Graduates will be able to request up to two guest tickets. This is a firm limit instituted by the University. All tickets will be distributed electronically.
Will I, as a graduate, need a ticket for myself?
Tickets are not required for graduates for GSAS Convocation, but they must register for an E-ticket for Commencement.
May children attend any of the graduation events?
Yes, children of any age may attend, but children aged four and up need to have their own tickets for Commencement.
What is the Pet Policy?
Guests and graduates will not be permitted to bring animals into the tents unless for disability service support that is communicated to us in advance.
Regalia for Convocation
Full regalia is required for PhD and MA candidates participating in GSAS Convocation. You may order regalia online or at the Columbia Bookstore.
Regalia for Commencement
Full regalia is required for PhD and MA candidates participating in University Commencement. You may order regalia online or at the Columbia Bookstore.
How will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed following graduation to the "Diploma (DP) Address" that is on file, based on each graduate’s degree conferral date. Verify or update your DP address on Student Services Online (SSOL). Please contact [email protected] with any additional questions.
How can I obtain a letter to help me obtain a visa to return?
Please email [email protected].
How can I obtain a letter to help my guest obtain a visa to attend?
Please email [email protected].
Disability Accommodations
Guests with disabilities or limited mobility, older individuals needing assistance, or those in need of sign language interpretation should enter campus through the designated gate located at 116th Street/College Walk and Amsterdam Ave. Please refer to these maps for accessible routes on campus.
How can I purchase photos of the ceremony?
A professional photograph of each degree recipient will be available for purchase. The official event photographers will contact graduates via email in the days following Convocation, using information on the student's name card.
Can I watch the ceremony online?
You may view the ceremonies live via this link.
What is the COVID policy?
Please review the university information here.
Who can I contact for more information about Convocation?
Erin Hussein
(212) 854-6728
Who can I contact for more information about Commencement?
University Commencement Office
(212) 854-1753
Is there an FAQ for Columbia University Commencement?
Columbia University Commencement FAQ