Details and FAQ

Students who have completed 122 credits (or 121 credits for transfer students) and all of their major and general education requirements will be eligible to participate in May's Commencement exercises. Students who have not completed their requirements or credits will be eligible to participate in a future Commencement. The Senior Class Dean can advise on eligibility inquiries. 

Students participating in Barnard’s Commencement will receive five (5) guest tickets to the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall. 

The College hopes to facilitate a free ticket exchange later in the Spring semester so that graduates who do not need their allotted five tickets can return them to the College for distribution to others who wish to bring more than five guests. Students are encouraged to exchange tickets directly, at no charge, with other students as well.

Information about ticket distribution and the ticket exchange will be available later in the Spring semester.

MANDATORY GRADUATE REHEARSAL: MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 

• 10:00-11:30 am, Event Oval, Diana Center for students with last names that start with A-L and Computer Science, Math-Computer Science majors, and Computer Science departmental special majors, regardless of last name*
• 1:00-2:30 pm, Event Oval, Diana Center for students with last names that start with M-Z*
• Important information about the May 15 ceremonies will be reviewed.
• Students may have the opportunity to hear their name read aloud at the rehearsal and correct pronunciation if needed. 
• Cap and gown are not worn.
• Registration is not required.
• Staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your or your guests’ attendance at the ceremonies. Information about ticketing for Radio City Music Hall can be found here.
• If you are unable to attend rehearsal, please fill out the link here (you must be logged into your Barnard.edu account to complete the form). 

Students can pick up their caps and gowns at the Columbia University Bookstore in Lerner Hall. All students must present a valid Barnard ID and appear on the list of eligible graduates. If you do not have your Barnard ID, please bring another form of photo identification with you. 

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.
 

We anticipate the ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, will last approximately three hours. Please include traffic considerations when making post-ceremony plans.

Yes. The Barnard Commencement ceremony will be live streamed directly on the Commencement homepage. 

There is no storage on Barnard’s campus for students’ or guests’ personal belongings during the Barnard ceremony, nor is there storage at Columbia or Radio City Music Hall. At Radio City Music Hall, bags must fit comfortably under guests’ seats, and oversized bags larger than 22” x 14” x 9” are prohibited. Radio City Music Hall does not provide an area to check bags, coats or any other personal belongings.

• Barnard’s Commencement planning team partners with The Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS) around disability/accessibility support for the College’s Commencement events.

• Both the Barnard campus receptions and the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall are wheelchair accessible. Students and guests who have mobility concerns or may need other accommodations supported by CARDS should email both cards@barnard.edu and commencement@barnard.edu in the same message with information about their needs by May 3.

• Radio City Music Hall ushers will allow early entry at 2:45 p.m. for guests with mobility needs. Ushers will be available to assist guests with locating appropriate seating. We strongly recommend that guests review the Radio City Music Hall policy for service and emotional support animals.

• Large Print Programs will be available to pick up from ushers at Radio City Music Hall. Sign Language Interpreters will be available. If you require Sign Language Interpretation for this event, please contact CARDS (cards@barnard.edu).

• Columbia University Commencement will also be accessible. Further information may be found here.

Details on the Columbia University Multicultural Graduation ceremonies will be available later in the Spring semester. Visit Columbia Multicultural Graduation Ceremonies, for details on the ceremonies as they become available.