Details and FAQ

The University Commencement ceremony celebrates those who are receiving their degrees from all Columbia schools in a given year including undergraduate and graduate programs, including Barnard. The University ceremony includes an academic procession and a speaking program that includes a keynote speaker. Barnard has a separate ceremony just for the College’s graduates, featuring an academic procession, the presentation of the Barnard Medal of Distinction, a keynote speech, and the reading of graduates’ names as they cross the stage. For more information on Columbia Commencement activities, visit Columbia University Commencement.

Yes! Eligible graduates will receive an email in the Spring semester with instructions on how to submit participation information via Marching Order, our online planning tool for Commencement registration.

Eligible candidates will receive six guest tickets to the Barnard Commencement ceremony. Information about ticket distribution will be available in the Spring semester.

Yes! As a graduating student, you must register online to participate in University Commencement and request guest tickets. All guests must have a ticket to attend the ceremony. Each undergraduate degree candidate receives 4 guest tickets to the University Commencement. You will receive more info in the Spring about how to obtain your tickets and can also visit the Columbia Commencement website for additional details: https://commencement.columbia.edu/content/tickets

For general information on the Columbia University 2023 Commencement Ceremony, please visit: https://commencement.columbia.edu

The Barnard College rehearsal will take place Monday, May 15th in the Event Oval at 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:30 pm. Students will be informed of their assigned times in the Spring; until then we ask that both times are reserved.

It is mandatory for all graduating seniors participating in Barnard College Commencement to attend the rehearsal. (Caps and gowns are not worn).

Information on when and where students can pick up their caps and gowns will be shared in the Spring semester. Barnard does not charge students for their caps and gowns (which are to be worn at both the University and College ceremonies); however, 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 17, will last approximately three hours.

Yes. The Barnard Commencement ceremony will be live streamed directly on the Commencement homepage. An archived video of the Barnard Commencement ceremony will be available for viewing shortly after the ceremony ends.

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.