Barnard Commencement
The ceremony includes presentations of the Medals of Distinction, remarks to the graduating class, the announcement of the recipient of the Alicia L. Lawrence Memorial Award, and of course, individual graduate recognition.
Commencement 2025
Commencement 2025
Our Commencement Speaker
Shabana Basij-Rasikh, Afghan education advocate and co-founder of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan will deliver the keynote address at the College’s 133rd Commencement ceremony. Read more about her and our other honorees.
Ceremony Information
The 133rd Barnard College Commencement ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. at Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan. The Barnard ceremony will be live streamed and available to watch on this page. The Columbia University Commencement the following day (May 21) will be on Columbia’s campus.
The Commencement speaker and medalists to be honored will be announced during the Spring semester.
This page will be updated with information regarding the schedule of Commencement activities, as well as information about registration and tickets to Barnard and Columbia University Commencement ceremonies, cap and gown day, guests with disabilities, photography, parking, and directions.
Accommodations
For information on accommodations, please visit the Accommodations page for a list of nearby hotels. You may also wish to review Columbia’s Visitors Center for additional listings. Some accommodations offer discounted rates to Barnard and Columbia University guests.
The Ceremonies
The Columbia University Commencement grants degrees to the graduates of all of Columbia’s schools, colleges, and affiliates, including Barnard College.
The Baccalaureate Service opens Commencement week with an interfaith, intercultural service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate’s academic career.
Commencement FAQs
Learn more details about the upcoming commencement
Contact Us
If you have comments or questions, please contact commencement@barnard.edu.
Commencement Celebration Kit 2025
Barnard grads, family, and friends can download and use our Facebook covers, yard signs, Instagram GIFs, and more — all a part of our Commencement celebration kit.