Frequently Asked Questions

When are the Graduation Ceremonies held?

The Graduation Ceremonial Events begin on Sunday, May 18 with the Baccalaureate Ceremony, which is held at St. Paul's Chapel. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and Columbia College Class Days are held on Monday, May 19. University Commencement is held on Wednesday, May 21.

What is the difference between Class Day and Commencement?

The Class Day exercises are ceremonies specifically for Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2008. It is at Class Day that students hear their names read aloud as they walk across the stage, have their photograph taken, and receive a class pin. The program also includes an awards ceremony, as well as remarks by a featured speaker, the Dean, and several students. No tickets are required for guests, and seating is unlimited. A reception for all students, faculty, and families is hosted by the Dean of each school on Hamilton Lawn immediately following each ceremony.

The Class Day ceremonies differ from University Commencement in many ways. University Commencement involves all 17 schools and is a much larger ceremony for which tickets are required (maximum of 4 per student available). It is at Commencement that degrees are conferred by the Columbia University President.

How do I get my cap and gown?

Students who applied for their degree will receive an email notification that indicates that online ordering of cap and gown begins mid-February. More information can be found on the Graduation Information page of the Columbia University Bookstore Web site.

Do I need tickets for Class Day?

No. Seating for both CC and SEAS Class Day ceremonies is unlimited.

How many tickets do I receive for University Commencement?

Tickets are required for University Commencement and are limited to four per graduate (students do not need tickets; they are for distribution to family and friends) by University Programs and Events. There are over 10,000 candidates eligible to participate in this ceremony from all of the academic programs at Columbia University. There is no avenue for requesting extra tickets. Students who do not need all four tickets are discouraged from selling them, but may give them away. The best chance for finding extra tickets is to identify graduates who are not in need of all four tickets or who do not plan to participate in University Commencement.

When will I receive my tickets for University Commencement?

Each student is responsible for picking up his or her allotment of four (4) tickets for University Commencement on the designated distribution days during the last week of April. Students will be notified via email of exact dates and times.

What will it say on my Diploma?

Diplomas indicate the degree received, that is, the Bachelor of Arts for CC students and the Bachelor of Science for SEAS students. Majors, concentrations, and minors are noted on transcripts, not on diplomas. Transcripts also indicate the date that the degree is conferred. Diplomas for CC students are in Latin with an English translation in the diploma envelope. Diplomas for SEAS students are in English.

Latin Honors are not noted on diplomas distributed in May. Students earning Latin honors will receive a new diploma, with the honors noted in the mail during the summer.

How and when do I get my diploma?

Diplomas are not distributed during any of the graduation ceremonies. Diplomas are distributed immediately after the University Commencement ceremony until 2:30pm that day. CC students should go to Lerner Hall to retrieve their diplomas; SEAS students should go to their academic departments to retrieve their diplomas. After 2:30 pm any diplomas that have not been picked up will be returned to the Registrar's Office who will then mail them to the student's permanent address.

Where should I look for more information about Class Day?

You have already found a great resource - this Web site! We will be updating the pages of this Web site frequently with new information, so make sure to check back periodically for more information. In addition to posting up-to-date information on the Web site, GradZone packets are mailed at the start of the Spring semester to students and their families to kick-off graduation preparation.

When and where can I get my Senior Portrait for the Yearbook?

The Senior Portrait schedule can be found on the following link: http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/events/gradzone/portrait.php.

I have more questions; where can I find more answers?

The Dean of Student Affairs Office, which organizes the GradZone Web site, is involved with the planning and coordination of Class Day ceremonies; dissemination of information about ceremonies, cap & gown purchase and pick-up; University Commencement ticket distribution; assembling for ceremonies; and diploma distribution. Should you have additional questions about these activities, please email gradzone@columbia.edu.

If you are a SEAS graduate student, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Services at 212-854-6438 or email jrs2139@columbia.edu for ceremony details, cap & gown and all other questions.

If you are a Columbia Video Network (CVN) student and have questions about commencement activities, please contact the CVN office at 212-854-5160 or via email at records@cvn.columbia.edu.

If you are a PhD or DES student, you will be receiving information shortly from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. You may also contact them at 212-854-2854 or visit them in 107 Low Library.

The following offices may also offer assistance in answering your other questions:

University Programs and Events
University Programs and Events coordinates various high profile events such as the University Commencement ceremonies for all undergraduate and graduate schools as well as the Baccalaureate ceremony.

Center for Student Advising
The Center for Student Advising collaborates with the Registrar and academic departments on the graduation clearance process and other academic issues.

Student Development and Activities
A number of Student Development and Activities Officers serve as advisors for the Senior Class Councils, Senior Week Committee, and Senior Class Dinner Committees. The advisors work closely with the committee members on the planning and implementation of the CC and SEAS Senior Class Dinners and Senior Week activities.

Columbia College Alumni Affairs & Development
The Columbia College Office of Alumni Affairs & Development connects alumni with each other and to the College through programming and events, fund-raising and communications.

Engineering Alumni Affairs and Development
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offers many ways for our alumni to get involved in its many programs and services.

Graduate Student Services
The Office of Graduate Student Services collaborates with the Registrar and academic departments on the graduation clearance process and other academic issues for SEAS graduate students.