Important Guest Details
Tickets
Degree candidates must register in order to participate in SPS Graduation and tickets are required for guests over the age of two (2). Each graduate will be able to bring up to six (6) guests.
Degree candidates are responsible for registering their guests and distributing tickets. Please note that the Office of Student Life cannot provide additional guest tickets. However, if you anticipate needing additional guest tickets, please coordinate with your fellow graduates who might not utilize all six (6) tickets. Tickets are required for all guests and must be presented for entry.
To access your guest tickets, please log in to Marching Order and click "Print/Email Tickets." You will then be able to download and/or digitally send your guest their ticket. This ticket will have the QR code they need to provide at guest check-in the day of Graduation. Please note that the QR codes can only be scanned once. If you already sent or downloaded your guests tickets that say “South Lawn, Morningside Campus" on them, those tickets are still valid for the ceremony. Failure to show a ticket will result in guests NOT being able to attend the ceremony. No exceptions will be allowed.
Guest Arrival and Entry
Entry for guests opens one hour prior to their graduates' assigned ceremony start time. Guests of degree candidates should enter at Gate B (West 218th St. & Park Terrace East). Please note these entrances have stairs and guests who need accommodations should enter to the left of Gate B.
Children are welcome at SPS Graduation and all children over the age of two must be ticketed to attend. Due to space constraints, it is recommended that families leave strollers at home. There is no stroller parking or storage available and guests with strollers should enter the accessible entrance to the left of Gate B.
Please note that guests cannot bring large bags and all items are subject to search.
Guests and graduates are strongly encouraged to coordinate in advance regarding a pre-planned meet-up point after the ceremony.
Live Stream & Recording
SPS Graduation and University Commencement are available on the Commencement website for live, online viewing during the events. Recordings of both events will also be available for on-demand viewing after the event on the Commencement website.
Water Stations and Bathroom Facilities
Restrooms and water stations will be accessible at Baker Athletics Complex. Locations can be found on the attached map.
Parking
Parking is NOT available at Baker Athletics Complex for both graduates and guests attending SPS Graduation.
By MTA New York City Subway: Broadway-Seventh Avenue IRT Local ("1" train) north or south to 215th Street, then walk two blocks north and cross Broadway at W 218th Street. OR 8th Avenue IND Express ("A" train) north to 207th Street, then proceed north to 218th Street.
By MTA Metro-North Commuter Rail: Marble Hill Station is located just across the Harlem River from Baker Athletics Complex, at 225th Street. Walk east to Broadway, then south across the Broadway Bridge to 218th Street.
Contact Information
For additional information, please review our frequently asked questions or contact the SPS Office of Student Life at sps-studentlife [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.