≡  How do I know I'm eligible to walk?
Masters degree candidates must have filed an application with the Registrar in order to graduate. Contact the Registrar's Office by phone (212.678.4050) or email registrar@tc.edu.

Doctoral degree candidates please refer to Eligibility Requirements or contact the Office of Doctoral Studies by phone (212.678.4058) or email ODS@tc.edu.

≡  How do I register to walk?
Candidates MUST register onlne at the Commencement website in order to march with their department. Masters candidates must register by April 24, 2009 in order to guarantee their name will be called at the ceremony.

≡  How long are the ceremonies?
The ceremonies run approximately 2 hours.

≡  Do my guests need tickets? How many do I get?
Anyone not in academic attire must have a ticket to attend the ceremonies.

Registered Masters degree candidates receive FOUR (4) tickets to their ceremony.

Registered Doctoral degree candidates receive SEVEN (7) tickets to the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony.

Students who register to walk in the Columbia University Commencement will receive FOUR (4) tickets to that event.

≡  When should my guests arrive?
Doors to Riverside Church will open 45 minutes in advance of the ceremony. Seats may not be held; we suggest that your guests meet prior to entering the church in order to sit together. Columbia University gates open at 9:30 a.m.

≡  What time should graduates arrive?
Graduates must assemble at Riverside Church no later than 45 minutes ahead of the ceremony. Use the 91 Claremont Avenue entrance (located between 120th St. and 121st St. in the back of the Church).

≡  How do I get my tickets?
Tickets are distributed at Teachers College on Friday, May 8, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm & Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Tickets ARE NOT mailed. See your degree ceremony on the Commencement website for detailed information.

≡  Are there extra tickets?
We suggest networking among fellow graduates for unused tickets. Families and friends are an important part of your celebration, and we are delighted to welcome them to campus. However, due to space constraints and an impressive number of graduates, we can only accommodate a limited number of guests.

≡  How do I order academic regalia?
Academic regalia is required for all candidates who participate in a ceremony:

Masters degree candidates purchase souvenir regalia from the Columbia University Bookstore in Lerner Hall beginning on March 31 through May 19.

Doctoral degree candidates place orders for regalia at the Columbia University Bookstore at Lerner Hall.beginning on March 31. The deadline for ordering doctoral regalia without incurring a late fee is April 10.

≡  How do I get a graduate portrait?
Chappell Photography will be taking graduation portraits on Tuesday, Tuesday, May 19 from 12:00 noon until 10:00 pm in Whittier Café. Doctoral graduates will also be individually photographed during the hooding ceremony.

≡  Where do I get announcements, class rings, diploma frames, etc?
Columbia University Bookstore in Lerner Hall holds an annual Grad Fair on March 31, April 1 and April 2. You may also order online from the Bookstore at www.columbiabookstore.com

≡  When and where do I get my diploma?
M.A., M.S. and Ed.M. diplomas are available upon presentation of photo identification on May 20, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Room 157 Thorndike Hall. Thereafter, diplomas may be picked up from the Registrar during regular office hours.

Ed.D. diplomas are usually available six weeks from the date of completion. Students will be notified by the Registrar's Office about how to obtain the diploma once requirements have been met.

Ph.D. diplomas will be available in Kent Hall in the Columbia University Registrar's Office.

≡  Who do I contact about special needs accommodations?
Guests and students should contact the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) at (212) 678-3689 (voice) or (212) 678-3853 (TTY).move to top