Graduation

2024 University Commencement and Journalism Graduations

The Columbia University Commencement ceremony of the 270th academic year, will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m on the Morningside Campus. Seating begins for guests at 7:00 a.m.

All eligible May and August 2024 degree candidates are encouraged to join the celebration.

    Balloons at graduation

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024
    9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Ceremony (seating begins for guests at 7:00 a.m.)
    Morningside Campus

    • Registration details to come
    • Each graduating student receives up to two (2) tickets for guests
    • Caps and gowns are mandatory

    For more, visit the Columbia University Commencement website.

    Journalism School Graduation Ceremony
    May 2024 Graduates

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024
    12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Ceremony (seating begins for guests at 11:00 a.m.)
    2:00 p.m. – 4 p.m. Reception
    Roone Arledge Auditorium, Lerner Hall

    • Guests: Each May 2024 graduating student receives up to three (3) tickets.
    • Attire: Business; caps and gowns are optional 
    • Registration details to come

    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 2024 Graduates

    Saturday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

    Location: Pulitzer Hall

    • Guests: Each August 2024 graduating student receives up to three (3) tickets.
    • Attire: Business; caps and gowns are optional 
    • Register: registration TBA

    Journalism Day

    Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 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 2024 University Commencement Ceremony, but they are optional for Journalism School graduation ceremonies. 

    The 2024 Grad Fair is held February 27–29 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 27
    • Online purchasing begins March 4 and ends March 22 on columbia.oakhalli.com for international shipping
    • Online purchasing after March 22 can be done for national shipping at columbiabookstore.com

    Doctoral Degrees 

    • In-store reservations begin February 27th through March 22nd without incurring a late fee
    • Online orders placed between March 4th - March 22nd
    • Doctoral rental regalia available in store beginning April 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.