2025 University Commencement and Journalism Graduations
Columbia University’s Commencement ceremony of the 271st academic year will take place on May 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. on the Morningside Campus. Entry gates open for guests at the South Lawn of Morningside Campus at 8:30am.
All eligible February, May and August 2025 degree candidates are encouraged to join the celebration.
Journalism School Graduation Ceremony
May 2025 Graduates
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Ceremony (seating begins for guests at 1:45 p.m.)
Roone Arledge Auditorium, Alfred Lerner Hall
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Reception
Furnald Plaza (in front of Pulitzer Hall)
- Guests: All graduates and guests must have tickets for entry
- Attire: Business; caps and gowns are optional
- Registration: TBA
Journalism School graduates will hear from the recipient of the Columbia Journalism Award, the school's highest honor, presented annually to a journalist for distinguished service to a profession.
Guests with disabilities, limited mobility, the elderly requiring assistance, or those needing sign language interpretation should e-mail Julie Pozo-Cepeda.
Journalism School Graduation Ceremony
August 2025 Graduates
Saturday, August 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Pulitzer Hall
- Guests: Each August 2025 graduating student receives up to three (3) tickets.
- Attire: Business; caps and gowns are optional
- Register: registration TBA
Journalism Day
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Miller Theatre
- Guests: No guest allowed (open to students and faculty only)
- Attire: Business; no caps and gowns
Diploma Application Verification
To check that your diploma application has been received, please log in to SSOL. Once logged in, please refer to the "Your Data" section on the right. Under "Academic Records" you will find "Degree Application Status." If your status has not been updated to reflect the submission by the end of April, please let us know.
If you do not have an application listed there, you MUST complete an Application for Degree or Certificate (form download at bottom of page), print, sign and return it to the Diploma Division in 210 Kent Hall. You can also save the form and submit it electronically to [email protected].
Apply Online Via SSOL
You will find a button on the bottom of the Degree Application Status page, marked “Apply for Degree or Certification.” Clicking the button will allow students to submit their Application for Degree directly to the Office of the Registrar.
Caps & Gowns
Regalia is mandatory for the 2025 University Commencement Ceremony, but they are optional for Journalism School graduation ceremonies.
The 2025 Grad Fair is held February 18–21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Columbia Bookstore. There, you can:
- Pick up your souvenir pack
- Order regalia (caps and gowns)
- Order invitations, rings, and other graduation memorabilia
Master’s Degrees
- In-store purchasing begins February 18
- Online purchasing begins February 22 and ends March 21
- Online purchasing after March 22 can be done for national shipping at columbiabookstore.com
Doctoral Degrees
- In-store reservations begin February 18 through April 10 without incurring a late fee
- Online orders begin February 22
Class Ring and Announcements
Class rings and personalized graduation announcements may be ordered through our graduation partner Balfour. Traditional announcements may be purchased at the bookstore.
International Guest Invitation Information
Neither the Journalism School nor the ISSO issues invitation letters for students' family members or friends. To issue invitations for graduation, please follow the instructions here.