Graduate Checklist

Columbia University is committed to protecting the health and safety of its community. To that end, all graduates, visiting alumni and guests  (except children 5 years and under) must meet the University requirement of full vaccination status, or comply with the unvaccinated policies detailed below, in order to attend in-person Graduation and Commencement events this May. Vaccination cards will be checked upon entry to all outdoor and indoor venues.

All students, graduates, visiting alumni and guests who are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccination(s) for medical, religious, or other reasons will be required to do the following: 

• Wear a face mask during all events. This applies to all unvaccinated individuals over the age of 2 years old.
• Show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, a same-day, at-home antigen test on the day of each event or PCR test within 48 hours of the first attended event. This is required for any unvaccinated guest over age 5, and must be shown at entry for all indoor and outdoor events.

Note that all events are dependent on the status of the University's COVID-19 Monitoring Plan.

Graduates are expected to properly prepare their guests to attend their assigned ceremony. Graduates should ensure guests have their tickets and proper COVID-19 documentation. 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. The last day to order regalia online was April 27, 2022. 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.

Order Regalia

April 20, 2022, Final Details Information Session

On April 20, 2022, the Office of Student Life held an informational session to review key dates, ceremony ticketing, the graduate checklist, and day-of information for the Class of 2022. View this recording above or by clicking on the link below.

View Recording

Students who have recently completed their degree requirements are asked to reflect on their student experiences and share their post-degree career plans. Completion of the Graduate Exit Survey allows the School to gather valuable feedback to improve programs and services for future SPS students. We ask that you are direct and candid while completing the survey.

For October 2021, February 2022, & May 2022 conferrals, click here to complete your survey.

For October 2022 conferrals, click here to complete your survey.

Graduate headshot sessions were held April 25 - 26, 2022. No additional sessions will be offered.

SPS Graduates are invited to sign up for a free, 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 they can be worn in their photos. Sitting for 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.

In addition, grads will be able to stop by our "selfie station", visit with representatives from the Career Design Lab and Alumni Affairs, and pick up some free, SPS graduate swag, while supplies last!.

Spots are very limited and registration is required. Students without a confirmed reservation will not be allowed to enter the event or have their photo taken.

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. Use the link below to contribute anything you'd like to share!

Submissions closed on March 31, 2022.

We encourage graduating students to visit the CAA website to learn more about their alumni benefits and opportunities to get involved with the alumni network. In addition, please visit the SPS Alumni website to learn about additional SPS alumni resources, events and volunteer opportunities.

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.

Activate an SPS Talent Account

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 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 here.  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:

Email: isso [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu

Tel: (212) 854-3587