Graduate Checklist
The following checklist is for all Class of 2023 graduates who will be participating in the May 2023 SPS Graduation. Please read each item below carefully and take note of all upcoming deadlines.
Graduate Checklist:
Columbia University is committed to protecting the health and safety of its community. Effective May 11, 2023, graduates, visiting alumni, and guests attending Commencement activities on Columbia’s campuses are strongly recommended to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and community guidance on indoor masking. Attendees will not be required to attest, show proof of vaccination status or recent test results, however, are encouraged to stay home if feeling unwell or testing positive for COVID-19.
Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness for the latest health and safety policies as they are subject to change.
Graduates are expected to properly prepare their guests to attend their assigned ceremony. There will be a required check-in process upon arrival. Graduates should ensure guests have 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. 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.
In-store: Regalia may be purchased beginning March 8th. The last day to order regalia is May 17, 2023.
Online: Orders may be placed beginning March 13 and ending April 12 to be directly shipped to the student by visiting columbia.shopoakhalli.com
Register HERE for the Graduation Final Details Info Session on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
This virtual info session is open to all October 2022, February 2023, May 2023, and eligible October 2023 graduates. This is for graduating students only and not friends or family. During this webinar, the Office of Student Life will provide final details and answer last minute questions about participating in the SPS Graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2023, as well as University Commencement. All graduates are strongly encouraged to attend.
Registration is required! A recording of this webinar will be made available to those unable to attend, upon request. There will be no graduation info session after this date.
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.
Graduate headshot sessions will be held April 17 and April 21, 2023. 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.
Register for the 2023 Graduate Headshot Sessions:
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 10, 2023.
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.
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