Graduation 2026

SIPA Graduation (also known as Class Day) will take place on May 21. On Class Day, we will recognize all SIPA’s master’s and PhD graduates and degree candidates from May 2026, February 2026, and October 2025. At the University Commencement on May 20, Columbia will officially confer academic degrees on graduates from every school.

2026 Graduation Information

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Thursday, May 21, 2026
11:00 a.m. (ET)
South Lawn, Columbia University’s Morningside Campus
(map)

Reception to follow

Graduates Assemble: 9:00 a.m.
Guest Seating Begins: 10:00 a.m.

VIEW THE PROGRAM

2026 Graduation Speaker

Know Before You Go

Transportation

For most people, New York City's subway system will be the best way to get to and from Columbia University during Commencement season.

BEST OPTION: NYC subway

Take the 1 Train. The 1 Train runs every few minutes during the day and early evening hours and serves the entire length of Manhattan’s west side. It connects many key locations including Midtown, Penn Station, Times Square, Lower Manhattan, Upper West Side, West Harlem, and Washington Heights to 3 of Columbia’s campuses.

*Please note that not all subway stations are wheelchair accessible. Use this link to view the full list of accessible stations.

Parking is extremely limited during Commencement season. We strongly encourage guests to use public transportation. 

Tickets

Tassel will be the central hub to reserve guest tickets. 

All guests must have tickets for entry. Guests will need to show a government-issued ID. Students must bring their Columbia ID and wear official Columbia University academic regalia (cap and gown, with gown unzipped) for entry. 

Parents and Guardians

Stoller parking is available on the Hamilton Lawn to the right of the ceremony space. Strollers must be retrieved prior to leaving the South Lawn for the reception at Ancell Plaza. There is also a lactation room available in Carman Hall, just past Butler Library. 

Columbia University Commencement: Graduate Ceremony

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Columbia University, Morningside Campus
116th Street and Broadway, New York, NY 10027

Visit Columbia’s Commencement website for the latest information about the all-University ceremony. 

Questions?

Please contact SIPA’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) by email at [email protected] or telephone at 212-854-8590. You can also visit OSA on the 6th Floor of the International Affairs Building. 

Conduct and Standards

Commencement season is a time to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishments of our graduates. To honor the spirit and significance of this occasion, we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. Currently, all participants and guests attending Commencement season event(s) understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy, and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue. If there are any future updates or changes, we will communicate directly to all registered guests and graduates.

Please see the list of prohibited items under the What NOT to Bring section. 

Emergency Medical Services

🚑 Emergency Medical Services will be onsite and available at all ceremonies and receptions.

If you see or are experiencing a medical or other emergency, find a public safety officer or call Public Safety immediately at (212) 854‑5555. Be prepared to share your exact location and details of the situation, including whether medical assistance is needed. Public Safety will dispatch the appropriate resources.

🎥 Media Consent Notice

By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your school-specific ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these photos and recordings may be shared publicly or on social media at the University's discretion. An archived video will also be made available online for viewing after the event.

Instructions/information about photography:

GradImages will be present at the graduation ceremony to take one photo of each SIPA student. GradImages will send proofs to students via mail or email approximately two weeks after the ceremony using the contact information provided in the Tassel platform. Please ensure you follow all staff directions during the ceremony to ensure photos are taken in an orderly manner. Note, photos which include prohibited items will not be available.

🎒 Bag Policy

Columbia University asks graduates and guests to travel light. Bags of any type and gifts are not permitted for University Commencement or SIPA Class Day. Wallets and small clutches are allowed but subject to screening upon entry. Exceptions for ADA, nursing, and medically necessary items will be permitted following inspection. Any item requiring additional screening may delay entry.

These rules may also apply to other Commencement Week events. Contact SIPA’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) by email at [email protected] or telephone at 212-854-8690 directly for more information regarding Class Day bag policy.