Columbia College | Columbia Engineering

Celebrations and Ceremonies

UPDATED May 6 at 8:45 a.m.

Please review the University Commencement Office website for up-to-date information regarding the relocation of all Class Day ceremonies from the South Lawns to the Baker Athletics Complex, as well as a significant shift to the plans for a Commencement celebration


Class of 2024, we look forward to honoring your hard work and accomplishments at Class Day! 

We are excited to mark this proud milestone with you and your family, friends, classmates, faculty, advisors, dean, and the entire Columbia community. So many people are waiting to recognize this major accomplishment. 

Graduation Events

Columbia College Class Day – May 14

A celebration of the accomplishments of all bachelor’s degree candidates of Columbia College.

UPDATED > Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 9:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Baker Athletics Complex  |  Tickets required

Columbia Engineering Class Day — May 13

A celebration of the accomplishments of bachelor's degree candidates of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Monday, May 13, 2024, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Baker Athletics Complex  |  Tickets required

Columbia University Commencement Ceremony 

Columbia University recently announced a significant shift to its plans for a 2024 Commencement celebration. Please visit the University Commencement website to read more about this change and review the latest updates.

 


Other Services and Celebrations

Baccalaureate Service

Sunday, May 12, 2024, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m., St. Paul's Chapel

The Baccalaureate Service is a multifaith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, the School of General Studies, and 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

Jewish Life Graduation Celebration

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Columbia/Barnard Hillel will celebrate the Class of 2024 at this annual Commencement Brunch. Family, friends, and loved ones are welcome. Jewish dietary laws will be observed. 

Learn more about the Commencement Brunch.

Multicultural Graduation Celebrations

In honor of Columbia’s diverse student community and complementing the school- and University-wide graduation celebrations, we are proud to also offer Multicultural Graduation Celebrations, which provide a more intimate setting for students who self-identify in a variety of ways. These events invite community members to reflect on personal growth and community experiences that have impacted their time as students through to graduation. All undergraduate students are invited to participate in these celebrations.

  • Multicultural Affairs Graduation Cord Ceremony: Tuesday, April 30, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
  • Lavender Graduation Celebration (LGBTQIA+ community): Thursday, May 2, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Asian Graduation Celebration: Wednesday, May 1, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • FLI Graduation Celebration (First-generation and/or low-income community): Monday, May 13, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
  • Black Graduation Celebration: Tuesday, May 14, 2:00–4:00 pm
  • Latinx Graduation Celebration: Tuesday, May 14, 6:30–8:30 pm
  • Native Graduation Celebration: Wednesday, May 15, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Each ceremony has a corresponding regalia accessory (stole, medallion, pin, or tassel). Advanced registration is required to receive your regalia accessory. Additional details will be shared in the weeks ahead.

Leadership and Excellence Awards

Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Presidential Ballroom (3rd floor), Faculty House (64 Morningside Dr, New York, NY 10027)

At the end of each academic year, Undergraduate Student Life and partner offices recognize students with awards and honors for leadership, co-curricular accomplishments, and noteworthy contributions to the Columbia community.

Department Receptions

Details to be announced.

From toasts and salutes to award presentations and fond farewells, almost every Columbia College and Engineering department hosts its own, unique end-of-year celebration to recognize their graduating seniors.

International Graduation Celebration

Friday, April 26, 2024, 6:00–8:00 p.m. Lerner 555

The International Graduation Celebration honors the Class of 2024's graduating undergraduate international seniors from Columbia College and Columbia Engineering. Hosted by International@Columbia | Multicultural Affairs.