Important Steps for Undergraduates

You have worked so hard to earn your degree — and there are just a few more steps you'll need to take in order to graduate.

For example, did you know you have to submit an application to receive your degree? We’ve created the checklist below to help you navigate these important final steps.

Are You Prepared to Graduate?

We know how hard you have worked to get here — and there are just a few more logistical steps you'll need to take in order to make it official. Completing these necessary tasks will ensure that:

• You will be eligible to register for Class Day and other senior-related activities.

• Your name will be recognized in both the Class Day program and ceremony.

• You will be considered for Latin Honors and other awards.

• Your diploma will be mailed to the address of your choice.

Your Checklist

Here is a Countdown to Class Day checklist to help you navigate the important final steps to graduate. Some steps are not yet available and you will receive more information about these in the coming weeks. 

• Meet with your advisor. If you haven’t already done so, meet virtually with your CSA adviser to confirm you are on track to graduate.

• Review your Degree Audit Report. Confirm that you have completed all of your degree requirements, and are on track to earn 124 credits (for CC) or 128 credits (for SEAS).  The degree audit may not track grades of P that were awarded in Spring 2023 or subsequent semesters; if you have any questions about it, please contact your CSA adviser. 

• Confirm eligibility with your academic department. Connect with your academic department adviser to confirm you are on track to complete your major or concentration. Your academic department adviser can also help if your major, minor or concentration information is out of date in SSOL.

• Check your GPA. Confirm that all of your grades and/or incomplete grades are posted from previous semesters and that you have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

• Pay your balance. Pay the balances on all of your accounts and check SSOL to ensure that no holds have been placed on your file.

• Complete loan counseling. If you borrowed a Federal loan, complete the required exit interview for loan counseling with Student Financial Services via SSOL.

• Update your Diploma Address. Don’t forget to double-check the spelling of your name too! The information from SSOL will be used for both the Class Day program and for shipping your diploma!

• Mark your calendar for University Commencement. University Commencement will take place in-person on Wednesday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. EDT. 

• Pick up your cap and gown at the Grad Fair (dates are forthcoming).

• Save the date for the Class of 2023 senior dinners! Columbia College and Columbia Engineering graduating seniors are invited to celebrate graduation at their respective school dinners on the evening of Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

• Register for Multicultural Graduation Celebrations. Any graduating student of CC, SEAS, GS, or Barnard is eligible to participate. Graduation celebration dates and registration information is forthcoming.

• Register for Class Day. In the coming months, you will received personalized invitation to register for and participate in Class Day. As a reminder, Class Day is where your name will be read and you will be celebrated as a graduate of Columbia College or Columbia Engineering.

• RSVP for Your Department Reception. Check with your academic department to see if they are hosting a reception for graduating majors, minors, and concentrators. Some receptions may require RSVPs.

• Check out the respective Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Senior Funds. Support future generations of Columbians.

• Get help navigating your plans for life beyond Columbia. Meet with career counselors from the Center for Career Education (CCE) to strategize your job search, consider graduate school options, pivot your plans, or map out your next steps. CCE serves Columbia College and Engineering alumni for life.

• Visit your Columbia College | Columbia Engineering Alumni Association. You automatically become a member of your Alumni Association upon graduation. Make sure to update your preferred contact information to receive your full benefits and access.

• Move out. See Columbia Housing's website for the residence hall check-out date and the detailed check-out procedure.

• Join the Alumni Representative Committee (ARC). Through the ARC, you can interview prospective Columbia students, represent Columbia at college fairs, and attend events for admitted students.

• Look for your diploma in the mail. Diplomas for May 2023 graduates will be mailed after graduation to the “Diploma Address” on file in SSOL. Please expect several weeks for the diploma to be delivered.