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Up-to-Date Class Day Information

Where to Go and What to Do

Class Day Map

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024 and welcoming their guests. Please review the information below carefully as many details are critical to ensure that everyone will be able to access the main events and any subsequent receptions. Additional information about on-campus receptions and the University Commencement event for students can also be found below. 

Columbia College Livestream 

Updated Monday, May 13, 6PM

Graduate Information

Step-by-step instructions on where you need to be and everything you need to do on Class Day. 

Day-Of Logistics Overview

  • Step 1: Enter at the 1905 Gate in your Regalia with your QR Code Ticket and your CUID (shuttles are available for students from Morningside Heights, see info below)
    • Columbia College Check-In: 7:45 - 9:00 a.m. on May 14 
  • Step 2: Check in at the inner concourse area and receive your name card. Do not lose this card. 
  • Step 3: Line up for the precession at the Inner Concourse. There is no set order, but the people immediately in front of and behind you will be seated next to you. 
  • Step 4: Walk. Graduate. Celebrate!

REMINDER: Make sure you’ve sent your guests’ QR Code tickets to them ahead of the ceremony. They will not be able to enter without them!

Tickets

  • Please print and/or distribute e-tickets to your guests in advance of the event! 
  • Tickets can only be scanned once, upon entry. Your guests will receive a wristband that will allow them to leave and return if needed - they should keep it on. 

Transportation

  • Class Day Ceremonies will take place at the Baker Athletics Complex (505 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034). See map.
  • Via NYC Subway. Take the 1 train north or south to 215th Street, then walk two blocks north and cross Broadway at W. 218th Street. Otherwise, you can take the A Train  north to 207th Street, then proceed north to 218th Street.
  • Via Shuttle Loop. Students can take the shuttle from Morningside campus to Baker Field. Enter the shuttle queue at Broadway and 120th St. Please leave a minimum of 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled gate open time. View more information. 
  • Via Metro-North Commuter Rail. Take the train to Marble Hill Station, located just across the Harlem River from Baker Athletics Complex, at 225th Street. Walk east to Broadway, then south across the Broadway Bridge to 218th Street.
  • Via Automobile. Transportation via car is not recommended as Parking within Baker will not be possible, and parking garages are extremely limited.
  • Via RideShare. Using a Taxi or ridesharing app, have the driver drop you off at Baker Athletics Complex, 505 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034.

Student Check-In

Enter via the 1905 Gate within the arrival window for your school.

Columbia College Check-In: 7:45 - 9:00 a.m. on May 14 

  • Arrive with your CUID (or, if you graduated in October or February, a print-out of your registration and a government ID) and wearing academic regalia. Additionally, bring your Class Day QR Code Ticket.
  • You will be given a name card, which has been pre-filled with your information. Please do not edit this card. Keep it with you so that your name can be announced during the ceremony. If you lose it, you will have to get a new card and go to the back of the line as well as sit in the back of student seating.
    • Upon check-in, if there is no name card on file for you, please visit the walk-in table to obtain a blank card to fill in your information. You will then need to go to the back of the line as well as sit in the back of student seating.
  • Dress for the weather. Though some parts of the arena will be tented, some seats are open-air. The event will take place rain or shine. 
  • Limit or leave at home any additional items; there will not be storage or security for your belongings. All bags and personal items will undergo inspection.

Procession

  • After you check in, line up at the inner concourse. See map.
  • To sit next to someone during the ceremony, you must process directly in front of or behind them.
  • The procession will be led by staff and the senior marshals.
  • You will process in two single-file lines to Rocco Commisso Soccer Stadium and remain standing until after the faculty and stage party are seated.

Your Turn on Stage

  • When instructed to stand and head to the stage, leave personal belongings on your seat. Seating marshals will keep an eye on them.
  • Take your name card with you and hand it to the person scanning cards as you approach the podium at center stage.
  • Follow the directions of the seating marshals to get to the stage and back to your seat.
  • As your name is called, you'll walk across the stage and will also appear on the monitors. Keep moving as your name is called; do not stop and wait for your name to finish being read. This ensures that it will be perfectly timed on screen for your guests to see!
  • Your photo will be taken three times: once as you approach the stage, once as you cross the stage and once as you exit the stage.
  • Please remember to be courteous of your classmates and their families by remaining in your seats and being attentive throughout the ceremony. Graduates are not permitted to leave the ceremony until the conclusion of the recession. Staff will be on hand throughout the ceremony to help guide you and respond to your questions.
  • The ceremonies will be streamed via live webcast for Columbia College.

Recession

  • All faculty and stage party participants will formally recess offstage using the same area through which they entered. Once the stage is clear, graduates will be asked to follow, recessing in two single-file lines (as you did for the procession).
  • A swift recession is important; staff need to prepare for another ceremony immediately following this one.

 

Guest Information

Up-to-date information to ensure that you're where you need to be to celebrate this moment with your student.

Day-Of Logistics Overview

  • Step 1: Queue to enter Gate B at the NW Corner of 218th St and Broadway with your QR Code Ticket ready. 
    • Columbia College – 8 a.m. , May 14
  • Step 2: Scan your ticket to receive your wristband. Do not remove this wristband during the event - you will not be able to access on-campus events without it. 
  • Step 3: Find a seat – first-come, first served. 
  • Step 4: Celebrate your graduate!

REMINDER: Make sure your student has sent you your QR Code tickets ahead of the ceremony

Transportation

  • Class Day Ceremonies will take place at the Baker Athletics Complex (505 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034). See map.
  • Via NYC Subway. Take the 1 train north or south to 215th Street, then walk two blocks north and cross Broadway at W. 218th Street. Otherwise, you can take the A Train  north to 207th Street, then proceed north to 218th Street.
  • Via Metro-North Commuter Rail. Take the train to Marble Hill Station, located just across the Harlem River from Baker Athletics Complex, at 225th Street. Walk east to Broadway, then south across the Broadway Bridge to 218th Street.
  • Via Automobile. Transportation via car is not recommended as Parking within Baker will not be possible, and parking garages are extremely limited.
  • Via RideShare. Using a Taxi or ridesharing app, have the driver drop you off at Baker Athletics Complex, 505 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034.

Entry

  • Please view the Class Day Guest Map for information on entrances, water stations and restrooms. 
  • Seating will open at 8:00 a.m. for Columbia College.
  • Guests should plan to queue up on Broadway and enter through Gate B.
  • Guests with disabilities should enter at the accessible entrance just west of gate B. See map. 
  • Limit or leave at home any additional items; there will not be storage or security for your belongings. All bags and personal items will undergo inspection.

Recession

  • All faculty and stage party participants will formally recess offstage using the same area through which they entered. Once the stage is clear, graduates will be asked to follow, recessing in two single-file lines (as they did for the procession).
  • A swift recession is important; staff need to prepare the space for additional events.

 

Morningside Campus Receptions

Join your students on Columbia's main campus for receptions and an opportunity to explore campus and take photos. 

Columbia College | Ancell Plaza, 2-6 p.m., May 14

Graduates and guests are invited to a reception on the Morningside Campus, in Ancell Plaza, with food and refreshments, and access to campus for photos from 2 - 6 p.m. To enter campus, guests should enter through the Wien Gate on 116th Street and must present the wrist-band they received at check-in for Class Day. Students may swipe on to campus.

 

University Convocation 2024: For Students, By Students

Wednesday, May 15 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Organized by students with the support of the University, University Convocation 2024 is a short ceremony on the Morningside campus followed by a block party on 120th street. Advanced registration is require for Student attendees. This event is exclusively for Columbia graduates; however, family and guests can join the at the block party. Find more information on the Commencement website.