The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) collaborates with student organizations and other offices to organize multicultural graduation ceremonies that celebrate the accomplishments of students who have engaged in one or many of Columbia's diverse communities. 

RSVPs are required, and registration links are found below. 

• Graduation Cord Presentation
• Lavender Graduation
• Asian Graduation
• Latino Graduation
• Black Graduation
• Native Graduation

Graduation Cord Presentation

Date: May 7, 2013
Attendance: By invitation

Presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the OMA graduation cords are given to graduating seniors in Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and the School of General Studies who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity, social justice, and multiculturalism through the OMA, campus leadership, community involvement, academic endeavors, and/or personal dedication.

Lavender Graduation

May 8, 2013
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
John Jay Lounge
Register

Attendance: For registered guests only
Seating: Unreserved, for registered guests only
Academic Attire: Required

Lavender Graduation is a cultural ceremony that celebrates our graduating LGBTQ and allied students. First started at the University of Michigan in 1995, the ceremony is now conducted at hundreds of universities nationwide including Princeton, Duke, MIT, and NYU. The color lavender, adopted by the gay movement in the 1960's, is the main color of Sayville (Gayville), NY. Sayville is near Fire Island where the veterans of Stonewall hung out. This history of New York is honored during the ceremony. 

Asian Graduation

April 25, 2013
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Faculty Room, Low Memorial Library
Register

Attendance: For registered guests only
Seating: Unreserved, for registered guests only
Academic Attire: Not required, business attire recommended 

Asian Graduation is an annual celebration recognizing the achievements of our graduating Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities on campus. In collaboration with the Columbia Alumni Association and the Asian Columbia Alumni Association, we honor the legacies of heritages and histories, the voices that have individually and collectively impacted the University, and the invaluable network of shared strength and support among fellow Columbians – past and present. As they prepare for Commencement, graduating students are presented at the reception with a gift to wish them continued success in their future endeavors. 

Latino Graduation

May 19, 2013
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Cinema
Register

Seating: Unreserved, for registered guests only
Academic Attire: Required

Latino/a Graduation has a long standing history within the University and is a celebration of the accomplishments of CC/SEAS and Barnard Latino graduates. Latino Graduation was first initiated by students who wanted the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the important role that Latino students have played in shaping the landscape of Columbia.  Latino Graduation is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University, University Development and Alumni Relations, the Barnard College Activities Office and the Latino Graduation Committee.

Black Graduation

May 19, 2013
Doors open at 7:30pm; Ceremony begins at 8pm; Dessert reception to follow the ceremony
Alfred Lerner Hall, Roone Arledge Cinema
Register

Attendance: For registered guests only
Seating: Unreserved, for registered guests only
Academic Attire: Required

This ceremony serves as an intimate gathering for family, friends, and members of the black Columbia community to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of the undergraduate graduating class.

Native Graduation

May 22, 2013
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Morris A. Schapiro Center for Engineering and Physical Science Research Building (CEPSR)
530 West 120th Street (between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway)
Register

Native Graduation is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Native American Council. This ceremony provides an intimate setting for family, friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and students to recognize the accomplishments of the graduates while embracing their new important roles as Columbia alumni.