Graduate Checklist
The following checklist is for all Class of 2026 graduates who will be participating in the May 2026 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.
- In-store Regalia Purchases: Available starting on Tuesday, February 17 through Wednesday, May 20.
- Online Regalia Purchases: Available starting on Saturday, February 21 through Friday, March 20 to be directly shipped to students via columbia.shopoakhalli.com.
The 2026 Grad Fair will be held on Tuesday, February 17 - Friday, February 20 from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00p.m. at the Morningside Campus Bookstore.
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.
Registration links coming soon.
- Graduation Info Session: Thursday, March 26, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Final Details Info Session: Wednesday, April 22, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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 GradImages! 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.
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. Registration links are coming soon!
SPS Grad Portrait Dates:
- Wed 4/15, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Thurs 4/16, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The University Ceremonies Office will also host outdoor portrait days at three iconic locations on the Morningside Campus. Capture your milestone in the places that mean the most to you. These spaces will be reserved exclusively for professional photographers from GradImages, with a variety of portrait packages available for purchase directly through GradImages. These portrait sessions will be offered twice a week between April 7 and April 22, with appointments available at various times throughout the day. Students register directly with a link that will be shared soon.
Tentative Dates:
- Tues 4/7, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. TBD
- Wed 4/8 , 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TBD
- Wed 4/15, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. TBD
- Thurs 4/16, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TBD
- Tues 4/21, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. TBD
- Wed 4/22, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TBD
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