Details and FAQ

We anticipate the ceremony on Thursday, April 29, at 6pm will last approximately two hours. 

While families are not permitted on campus, family members and loved ones are invited to join the virtual celebrations for both Barnard and Columbia. To view information about University Commencement, please visit the Columbia University Commencement Announcements page.

To view the Barnard Commencement, please visit https://barnard.edu/commencement

To view the Baccalaureate service, please register at the link below:
https://commencement.columbia.edu/content/baccalaureate-service

Yes. An archived video of the Barnard Commencement ceremony will be available for viewing shortly after the live webcast.

This year, both Barnard and Columbia’s ceremonies will be held virtually. We plan to hold student-only in-person small gatherings, many organized by major, on campus the week of April 25th. Attendance will be limited to those participating in the College’s testing program, as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community during this difficult time.  Therefore, we do not recommend making any travel plans at all related to graduation. The campus is also still closed to visitors at this time.

The College will hold socially distanced in-person Academic Receptions for the Class of 2021 with faculty and staff during the week of April 26 under the Futter Field tent, organized by major.

The Academic Receptions will include a brief speaking program, an opportunity for students to have their photos taken, and an opportunity for well wishes and gathering.

Academic Receptions are for students only and require Barnard ID upon entry to campus at the main gate, and a “green screen” result of a daily screening using the app CoVerified (you must complete the initial campus pledge and entry testing first).

Can February graduates participate in the Barnard testing program to access campus for Commencement-related purposes?

• Because February graduates are no longer enrolled students, they are not eligible to test at Barnard during the academic year.
• February graduates are permitted to participate in Barnard’s testing program to access Barnard’s and Columbia’s campuses/facilities for Commencement-related purposes.
  • February graduates may start testing as early as April 12.
  • The last day that they may test is May 2.
  • Once they start testing, they are to follow the same twice-weekly requirement that currently enrolled students have (i.e. testing every 3-4 days).
  • In order to access Barnard’s campus, February graduates must be able to generate a green “cleared” screen in the CoVerified app, which requires a negative test on-record within the past 7 days.
  • In order to access Columbia buildings/facilities, February graduates must have a negative test on-record since January 4. If they have not tested at Barnard since January 4, they will need to have a negative Barnard test on-record in the ReopenCU app, Columbia’s campus app. Students also must have a flu vaccination on-record in the ReopenCU app; PCHS manages the coordination of flu vaccination records for integration into the ReopenCU app.
  • As for all Barnard students, only Barnard tests can meet the College’s testing requirements.
• Students who are exempt from asymptomatic testing because they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days should email covidtesting@barnard.edu for next steps.

More information on student testing can be found here: Testing - Student Information Sheet

Yes! You will receive an email with instructions for how to submit participation information via Marching Order, our online planning tool for Commencement registration.

Barnard seniors are eligible to receive a cap and gown from the Columbia Bookstore, starting on March 9th through May, during designated pick-up hours(M-F, 11AM-6PM). There is no charge for a cap and gown; however, all students must present a valid Barnard ID and appear on the list of eligible graduates. Columbia Bookstore stocks gowns of all sizes and will select a gown based on your height and weight. If something is not available in-store, they can work directly with you to fulfill your request. You do not need a green screen or have to be in the testing program to enter the bookstore.

If you cannot pick up your cap and gown from the Columbia bookstore, please contact us at commencement@barnard.edu

Please visit Columbia Multicultural Graduation Ceremonies, for details on the ceremonies, including how to register for the virtual ceremonies and receive your multicultural graduation gift (e.g., stole, tassel, pin, or other gift).

All diplomas will be mailed directly to degree recipients at the diploma address submitted with your graduation application. Diplomas are sent approximately 8 weeks after the degree is awarded.

Barnard diplomas are signed by both the Barnard College President and the Columbia University President and carry the official seals of both institutions.  The diploma lists the degree earned (Bachelor of Arts) and any Latin honors received (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude). Majors, minors, and departmental graduation honors appear on the Barnard transcript but not on the diploma.

President Beilock and Dean Grinage’s announcement included a link to a senior survey about future celebration. Once details are available graduates will be notified.

Accessing Columbia's Campus ( ReopenCU Requirements):

Students wishing to access Columbia campus are required to participate in Barnard’s comprehensive testing program, which includes a mandatory entry test as well as regular tests twice per week. Once you receive a negative test result from Barnard (allow 48 hours), you’ll generate a green screen in the CoVerified app, which allows you to enter Barnard campus. 

Please allow an additional 24 hours (72 hours from initial test date) for results in Barnard’s CoVerfied app to populate into Columbia’s ReopenCU system, which is used for access to Columbia’s campus. (Please note -- ReopenCU is managed by CUIT (not Barnard) please contact them directly regarding ReopenCU account/profile.)

In order to generate a Columbia green pass, ReopenCU requires Barnard students to:

1. Read and sign the Columbia Health Compact in the ReopenCU app

2. Take the Columbia Safety Training, accessible via the ReopenCU app

3. Complete the Daily Symptom Self-check using ReopenCU system

4. Participate in Barnard’s comprehensive testing program

Further details on the CU-specific access requirements below can be found at: https://covid19.columbia.edu/students

Barnard Testing Sheet