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.
Guest Arrival and Entry
Entry for guests opens one hour prior to their graduates' assigned ceremony start time. Guests of degree candidates should enter the Morningside campus through either the Carman or John Jay gates on 114th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue). Please note these entrances have stairs and guests with disabilities should enter at 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
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 at the accessible gate at Amsterdam and 116th Street.
Guests and graduates are strongly encouraged to coordinate in advance regarding a pre-planned meet-up point on or near upper campus 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
Touchless water stations will be available outside the tents on the South Lawn - please bring your own water bottles to refill while on campus!
Port-o-sans are located throughout campus. Indoor guest bathrooms will be available in Hamilton and Pulitzer halls. Please note, masks are required for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests in University buildings.
Parking
Please see the University’s Parking & Directions website for more information.
Parking in Morningside Heights is challenging and on-campus parking is not available to the general public during Commencement Week. Public transportation, such as a subway, bus, or taxi, is recommended. If you must drive, please leave plenty of time to find parking and allow time for walking to campus. There are only a few parking garages near campus that fill up quickly during Commencement Week and cannot be counted on for convenient parking.
City parking rules will be in full effect during Commencement Week; please take note of meters and other parking regulations.
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.