2026 University Commencement and Journalism Graduations
Columbia University’s Commencement ceremony of the 272nd academic year will take place on May 19, 2026, at 10:30 am on the Morningside Campus.
All eligible February, May and August 2026 degree candidates are encouraged to participate in the celebration and will receive information about how to register for tickets.
2026 Graduation and Journalism Day Speakers
2026 Columbia Journalism Award Recipient and Keynote Graduation Speaker
Watch keynote remarks from Chao Xiong, Director of Editorial.
Journalism School Graduation Ceremony
Columbia Journalism School Graduation Ceremony
May 2026 Graduates
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Ceremony: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (seating begins for guests at 2:15 p.m.)
Roone Arledge Auditorium, Alfred Lerner Hall
Reception: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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: https://fs8.formsite.com/cjdos/gradprogram/
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 Day
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Miller Theatre
- Guests: No guests allowed (open to students and faculty only)
- Attire: Business; no caps and gowns
Columbia University Commencement
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbia University Morningside Campus
- Guests: All graduates and guests must have tickets for entry
- Attire: Cap and gowns required
- Registration: https://commencement.columbia.edu/content/university-commencement-tickets
August 2026 Graduates
Saturday, August 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Joseph D. Jamail Lecture Hall, Pulitzer Hall
- Guests: Tickets are required only for guests (up to 3)
- Attire: Business; caps and gowns are optional
- Registration: https://fs8.formsite.com/cjdos/lunce49y6k/
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 2026 University Commencement Ceremony, but they are optional for Journalism School graduation ceremonies.
The 2026 Grad Fair is held February 17–20 from 11 a.m. to 6 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 17
- Online purchasing begins February 22 and ends March 20
- Online purchasing after March 22 can be done for national shipping at columbiabookstore.com.
Doctoral Degrees
- In-store reservations begin February 17 through April 10 without incurring a late fee
- Online orders begin February 22, through April 12
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.