Formal Graduation Events
Columbia Engineering Class Day — Monday, May 18, 2026
Ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m.
Columbia University Morningside Campus, South Lawns
A celebration of the accomplishments of bachelor’s degree candidates of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
There is no guest limit, but tickets are required.
Columbia College Class Day — Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.
Columbia University Morningside Campus, South Lawns
A celebration of the accomplishments of all bachelor’s degree candidates of Columbia College.
There is no guest limit, but tickets are required.
Columbia University Commencement — Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Tickets are limited, and required. Additional ticketing information will be available closer to the event.
Please visit the University Commencement website for details.
Community Celebrations and Services
Complementing school Class Day and University Commencement exercises, these celebrations provide a smaller setting for community members and their families to reflect on the personal growth and experiences that have had an impact on their time as students — from Convocation to Commencement.
Baccalaureate Service
Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Columbia University Morningside Campus, St. Paul’s Chapel
The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate’s academic career from either Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Columbia General Studies, or Barnard College. Service highlights include hymns, musical selections, readings, reflections, and speeches by students.
The Baccalaureate Service is believed to have originated at Oxford University in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic exercise. Columbia University began this tradition in 1897.
Learn more about the Baccalaureate Service.
Departmental Receptions
From toasts and salutes to award presentations and fond farewells, almost every Columbia College and Columbia Engineering department hosts its own, unique end-of-year celebration to recognize its graduating seniors. Departmental Receptions will be added below on a rolling basis.
Students must follow instructions from their department for registering themselves and their guests for any of these receptions.
Event Details
TBD
Disability Affinity Graduation Awards
Details to be announced.
The Disability Affinity Graduation, hosted by the Columbia Student Disability Network, honors and uplifts Columbia’s graduating disabled students. Graduating students will receive disability-affirming stoles, a disabled Columbia alum will give a keynote, and outstanding graduating activists will be given awards.
International Graduation Celebration
Details to be announced.
Jewish Life Celebration for Graduates
Details to be announced.
Leadership and Excellence Awards
Details to be announced.
At the end of each academic year, Undergraduate Student Life and its partner offices recognize students with awards and honors for leadership, co-curricular accomplishments, and noteworthy contributions to the Columbia community.
Multicultural Celebrations for Graduates
Multicultural Affairs Cord Ceremony
Details to be announced.
Nominations process to be announced. Columbia College, Columbia Engineering (undergraduates), and General Studies graduating seniors are eligible to be nominated.
Lavender Celebration for Graduates (LGBTQIA+ community)
Details to be announced.
Asian Celebration for Graduates
Details to be announced.
Black Celebration for Graduates
Details to be announced.
Latinx Celebration for Graduates
Details to be announced.
FLI Celebration for Graduates
Details to be announced.
Native Celebration for Graduates
Details to be announced.