Columbia College | Columbia Engineering

GradZone

Graduating Students

Important Steps for Undergraduates

You have worked so hard to earn your degree. The checklist below will help you navigate some important final steps before graduation.

Are You Prepared To Graduate?

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 at the ceremony;

  • you will be considered for Latin Honors and other awards; and

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

Your Senior Year Checklist

Here is the Senior Year Checklist, which will help you navigate the important final steps required for you to graduate. Some details may not be available yet, but please continue to check back here for up-to-date information.

Note: This checklist only applies to undergraduate students. If you are a graduate student at Columbia Engineering, please follow instructions from Graduate Student Affairs.

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  • Meet with your adviser. If you haven’t already done so, meet with your CSA Advising Dean 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 might not track “P” grades that were awarded in Spring 2026 or subsequent semesters; if you have questions about this, please contact your CSA Advising Dean.

  • 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 Your academic department adviser can also help if your major, minor, or concentration information is out of date in SSOL.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.

  • Apply for your Columbia College degree | Apply for your Columbia Engineering Degree. This simple form is the first thing you must complete if you plan to graduate this spring. You do not need to resubmit this form if you have submitted it. If you have not submitted it, check in with your CSA Advising Dean to confirm you are on track to earn your degree this May.

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

  • Complete loan counseling. If you received 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 Vergil will be used for both the Class Day program and for shipping your diploma.

  • Prepare for guests visiting from abroad. If your guests are visiting from abroad, follow these steps to help them apply for a visa.

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  • Mark your calendar for University Commencement: Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

  • Pick up your cap and gown at the Grad Fair from Tuesday, February 17, to Friday, February 20, at the Morningside Campus University Bookstore from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • Attend Multicultural Graduation Celebrations.Any graduating student of Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Columbia General Studies or Barnard College is eligible to participate. Graduation celebration registration information will be updated for graduating students and guests.

  • Register for Class Day. Eligible students will receive personalized invitations 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 Departmental Reception. Check with your academic department to see if it is hosting a reception for graduating majors, minors, and concentrators. Some receptions might require RSVPs.

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

  • Order your yearbook. You can order your copy of the 178th edition of The Columbian directly from Jostens. Email yearbook@columbia.edu if you have questions.

  • Schedule your free senior portrait. Commemorate your graduation with a portrait from Lors Photography. Contact its customer service department at 908-964-8200 if you have questions or concerns. Username: [Last name] Password: [UNI].

Post-graduation Checklist