Graduate Checklist
The following checklist is for all Class of 2025 graduates who will be participating in the May 2025 SPS Graduation. Please read each item below carefully and take note of all upcoming deadlines.
Graduate Checklist:
Graduates are expected to properly prepare their guests to attend their assigned ceremony. There will be a required check-in process upon arrival. Please share this webpage with all guests who will be attending SPS Graduation in person.
Caps and gowns, also known as regalia, are required for all graduates wanting to participate in SPS Graduation and/or University Commencement. Per university tradition, master's degree recipients do not receive a hood. For graduates who failed to order their regalia on time, caps and gowns may be purchased in person from the Columbia University Bookstore, while supplies last.
Orders can be placed in-store beginning February 18, 2025. Online orders, to be shipped to the student, can be placed at oakhallcg.com/pages/columbia, beginning on February 22, 2025 and ending March 21, 2025. After March 21st, you can order at columbia.bncollege.com.
Please join the Office of Student Life for virtual Graduation information sessions. At these sessions, the Office of Student Life will go over all information pertaining to SPS Graduation from check-in to guest information. If you are unable to attend, a recording will be made available upon request.
- Graduation Info Session: Thursday, March 27th
- Final Details Info Session: Wednesday, April 23rd
This is your chance to share your post-graduation plans with Columbia! Whether you're moving into a new career, leveling-up with your current employer, continuing your education, or continuing your job hunt, the information you share will help the Career Design Lab refine their programs and services to best serve SPS students and alumni. Your individual results will be kept confidential and all data will be reported in the aggregate.
SPS Graduates are invited to sign up for a 15-minute headshot session with Grad Images! In order to participate, students must sign-up, in advance, for a timed entry slot and have their own cap and gown in hand so that it can be worn in their photos. The photography session is free and digital and/or physical prints can then be purchased by the student or their family. No purchase or commitment is required.
There are TWO dates being offered, so please be sure you only sign up for one date and time slot.
- Day 1: Wednesday, April 16th
- Day 2: Thursday, April 17th
Registration is required and not all graduates are guaranteed a spot. You must have a confirmed spot to sit for a headshot and enter the event. Graduates who arrive late risk losing their spot.
SPS Graduates are encouraged to submit photos and videos of their time at Columbia! These contributions will be added to a professional presentation to be shared during graduation to reflect on your time at SPS.
Please visit the SPS Alumni website to learn about SPS alumni resources, events, and volunteer opportunities. We also encourage graduating students to visit the CAA website to learn more about their alumni benefits and opportunities to get involved with the alumni network.
Network with SPS Alumni on SPS Connect, your digital networking platform: https://connect.sps.columbia.edu/
SPS Talent is the place for job and internship opportunities, recruiting and networking events with employers, plus ways to share your career plans upon graduation. Students and alumni are encouraged to activate their personal SPS Talent accounts here.
For information regarding accommodations during SPS Graduation or Columbia University Commencement, please visit the Office of Disability’s website by clicking here. If you still have questions, contact the Office of Disability Services at disability [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu or 212-854-2388.
Ensure your Diploma mailing address is correct! Diplomas for graduates will be mailed to the “Diploma Address” on file in SSOL. Graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail up to two months following their conferral date.
Graduates who have not received their diploma within this timeframe should email diplomas [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (diplomas[at]columbia[dot]edu) to inquire further.
Students who need an invitation letter for visa-related purposes to invite their friends and family to the ceremonies can contact the International Students and Scholars Office. Students who are no longer active (alumni) can use the information sent to them by the University, including formal email communications.
For additional inquiries contact ISSO:
- isso [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (isso[at]columbia[dot]edu)
- (212) 854-3587