Information for Guests
The following information will help to ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable experience with your graduate.
Tickets are required for students and guests, and can only be obtained in advance by the graduating student. All tickets will be distributed electronically and must be shown to enter the event, and graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests directly. Please refer to the Convocation FAQ page and consult the Ticketing & Registration dropdown tab for more information.
Directions
The Visitors Center website includes comprehensive directions for traveling to campus via car or public transportation.
Parking
Parking is extremely limited during Commencement week. For more information, see this page on the University Commencement website.
International Visitors
If you will be traveling to Columbia from abroad, please have your graduate consult these instructions from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
Several local hotels offer discounted rates to visitors to Columbia University. Visit the University's Travel Portal for more information. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
Two Columbia affiliates have a limited number of guest rooms available.
Union Theological Seminary Landmark Guest Rooms
3041 Broadway (at 121st Street), New York, NY 10027
(212) 280-1313
Teachers College Guest Housing
517 West 121st Street, New York, NY 10027
(212) 678-3235
Leave Luggage and Valuables Behind
Please note that there is no place on campus to store luggage or valuables during the Convocation or Commencement ceremonies.
Entering the Ceremony
General admission guests line up at 115th Street and Amsterdam Avenue no earlier than 30 minutes before gates open (PhD: gates open at 7:00 am for the 8:00 am Procession, MA: gates open at 10:00 am for the 11:00 am Procession). The line will form along the sidewalk of Amsterdam Avenue.
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.
Visit Nous Espresso Bar
While on campus, we encourage you to visit Nous Espresso Bar in the Graduate Student Center (301 Philosophy Hall), which will be open to the public on Convocation Day, beginning at [time TBD]. The café offers food and beverages for purchase, including Blue Bottle Coffee, Rishi Tea, pastries, sandwiches, and more.
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.